The Wedding Dress ChristmasDecember comes to quaint Hearts Bend, Tennessee, with a blanket of white and the glitter of Christmas lights.For JoJo Castle there is no place like home. Her onetime love of adventure ended when her life in the big city came crashing down. Now that she’s home, she never wants to leave again.Country music sensation Buck Mathews has charmed the world with his smile and … charmed the world with his smile and his music. However, news of his mother’s illness brought him home to Hearts Bend for the holiday season.
Working with her cousin Haley in The Wedding Shop, JoJo has no aspirations of love. But when her high school crush returns to town, her buried feelings surface.
Busy with his career, Buck hasn’t had time for family and friends, much less love. Seeing JoJo in The Wedding Shop reminds him there are things more important than his career.
But JoJo and Buck have opposing life goals, and there’s no middle ground. Can love, especially the kind that touches hearts at Christmas, overcome her fears and his quest for greatness?
With the help of a very special wedding dress, there just might be a Christmas miracle.
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Rachel Hauck has long been one of my favorite authors. The heroes and heroines of her books are often quite ordinary people that I can relate to yet they find themselves in rather extraordinary situations. Each and every one of her romantic tales is richly woven with a strong thread of faith and sometimes tiny touches of the supernatural. The Wedding Dress Christmas was no different. A story of childhood best friends, reunited after each had gone out into the world to follow their dreams, this touching tale demonstrates how dreams can disappoint or change unless one follows the leading of the Lord.
I loved how their friendship renewed itself so naturally as well as JoJo and Buck discovered that they might just want more than friendship. Buck was the perfect hero whose actions helped JoJo to heal from a past trauma. I loved the way he sacrificed his career to be with his seriously ill mother and for JoJo. Of course the somewhat magical wedding dress and the man in the purple coat from the previous novels of this series take center stage once again and help to point the couple in the right direction. It was also fun to catch up with characters from those earlier novels.
The Wedding Dress Christmas is a perfect read for an evening at home as the Christmas holidays approach. I recommend it and any other book by Rachel Hauck.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I had heard about The Wedding Collection series, and have even bought all the books in the series, but this is the first story I’ve read. This book made me swoon so hard. It was a clean romance, which I really enjoyed. Small-towns, friends-to-lovers, and country music are my bread and butter. Throw in a magical wedding dress and Christmas and it’s perfect! It wasn’t smooth sailing all the time, but I loved it anyway!
Sweet romance with a little faith and a little magic
My rating is 3.5 stars
I really liked Buck. Though he was a famous country music star, he was down-to-earth and didn’t seek attention. He loved his family and his hometown. His persistence in wooing Jojo was sweet!
Poor Jojo had been hurt and lived a life of fear. She expected bad things and was determined that she would never fall in love or get married. Everyone in her town loved and respected her, and she loved and respected them.
I enjoyed reading about the process of songwriting, especially as it involved collaboration between Buck and his mother.
The relationship between Buck and Jojo was fun to watch, and the way he attempted to win her heart was lovely. There were some faith elements here that were great but instead of showing that Jojo’s healing and learning to trust came from the Lord, it was clearly attributed to an object – though there was an attempt to insinuate the object had been given that power from the Lord.
Read my review of The Wedding Dress Christmas by Rachel Hauck at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
In The Wedding Dress Christmas, Rachel Hauck returns to small-town Tennessee and the mystery of an anointed wedding dress. Then she adds the wonder and celebration of Christmas in for good measure.
I enjoyed visiting Heart’s Bend and catching up with some beloved characters while meeting a few new ones. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the other books, though, this novella stands just fine on its own (but be warned, you’ll probably be adding the others to your TBR).
Jojo Castle is easy to relate to. She gives of her time and talents to her town and family, and with her PR background, she’s a good person to have in your corner. But she’s also prone to knee jerk reactions that set her into motion without much thought of her current situation (which, at times, can be humorous). Yet, Jojo uses Heart’s Bend as her security blanket to hide from the big bad world—to the point she’s no longer chasing her dreams.
Enter Buck Mathews—former best friend and current country music sensation who has come home to spend the holidays with his family. Buck’s got a good head on his shoulders and cares for the important people in his life. But can two people on different trajectories make a relationship work?
The Wedding Dress Christmas is the perfect gift for anyone seeking a quick, uplifting holiday read with romance and the magic of the season.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Small Town Romance/The Wedding Collection series a well written story by an Author I have not read before. After reading this book I looked and saw the complete series is also on Audible which is now in my wish list. I would say if this is an Author you follow that this is a must read story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Wedding Dress Christmas is the fourth book in Rachel Hauck’s Wedding Collection. JoJo Castle returned home to Hearts Bend, TN, about five years ago after a traumatic event made her want to leave Dallas and her dream PR job. She is working with her cousin Haley Danner in Haley’s bridal shop, hoping to be able to buy in to the company. JoJo has thrown herself in to her hometown, volunteering for many things, although she had hoped to evade a third year of directing the kids Christmas program.
Buck Mathews has achieved Nashville stardom and comes from country music royalty, songwriter Lana Mathews and producer Owen Mathews. He has come home to spend the holidays in the wake of his mother’s diagnosis of a cancer return. Buck and JoJo had been friends since their early teens but had gone their separate ways. Upon seeing JoJo again he realizes she is the one that got away.
The mysterious wedding dress that Haley had worn, the one with the magical history, keeps appearing on a store mannequin, no matter how many times Haley and JoJo repack it. What is the dress trying to say?
This is a nicely written book with lovable characters and a winter wonderland setting. I did enjoy this sweet story and do recommend it.
It’s hard to imagine a magical wedding dress that changes lives so dramatically but this story continues its travels to a new bride. Weddings are so beautiful and “fairytale” but the wedding dress adds new dimensions to a special time in a couple’s life. The man in the purple shirt, a dress that changes styles and sizes to fit the time and size of an intended bride all gives an aura of inspired intervention.
Jo has no interest in getting married or even thinking about it. She’s perfectly happy working in the Wedding Shop with her cousin and doing community service for her small town. Something happened to her in her time spent in big city Dallas that caused her to run back to her family.
Buck is from this small town and he and Jo have a history together. He’s now a big time country music star that comes home for a two month break from touring. They have totally different goals for their future but past feelings rise once again to the surface. There’s no way they could ever consider a future together. He’s planning a world wide tour, she wants to stay where she is and maybe someday get married and have lots of children. Fear keeps her grounded and home bound. Her career is as important to her as his is to him. There’s no compromise in sight. No happily ever after. Or is there?
If you need a bit of magical inspiration to brighten your Christmas or just any time of the year, this is the book for you. It certainly made my heart swell.
I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
How sad that we sometimes let a single traumatic event upend our lives so completely. JoJo Castle ran from life in Dallas after such an event. But the memory of what happened to her followed her, strangling her, holding her prisoner. When Buck Mathews pops into town for the holidays, JoJo tries her best to deny her feelings. Even as he declares his own feelings for her.
Sometimes, though, in the void of our own attempts at “playing it safe,” God intervenes. And sometimes, He manifests, speaks, in the most unexpected and unusual ways.
Ms. Hauck’s style is so rich, so deep and textured; she paints a picture that welcomes her readers right into the story.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Wednesday, #TRD, Book Review, The Wedding Dress Christmas, Rachel Hauck, Celebrate Lit Tour
This was such a good Christmas novella! It is part of series, but it easily reads as a stand-alone. I really like Rachel Hauck’s writing style and was immediately drawn into the story. I enjoyed going back to Hearts Bend. It’s such a sweet little town, especially at Christmas.
Buck is my favorite character in this, by far! He’s very charming and willing to give up so much for his family and Jo! Speaking of Jo, I really liked her and my heart ached for what she went through in the past. I loved them as a couple and rooted for them from the beginning of the story. Jo did irritate me a tad towards the end of the story with her unwillingness to compromise, but in the end, she came around! I also really enjoyed the mystery and intrigue of the Wedding Dress and how it added to the story
So, if you’re in the mood for a great Christmas novella, I’d say try this one out!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
A perfect follow-up to the series of books in Hauck’s Wedding Collection, The Wedding Dress Christmas contains all the elements of a sweet romance–Hallmark-style. Fans of the infamous network’s annual offering of feel-good movies and festive romance will love The Wedding Dress Christmas for its mystery, its charm, and its happily-ever-after.
What a sweet, charming Christmas story! I love everything I’ve ever read by Rachel Hauck, and this was no exception. The story of JoJo & Buck was filled with all of the hope, joy, and ethereal goodness one would expect of any story from Hearts Bend. The wedding dress is once again in the spotlight, but the real feature is breaking free of the chains of fear, anxiety and false promises that often keep us from meeting our true potential. Just lovely! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not under any obligation to post a review.
While I could have predicted the ending to this story, I still enjoyed the read.
Could just picture some of the happenings that went on here, can you imagine a woman running and then driving with a bridal veil and not any veil, a very long train one!
I would love to be present when that ageless wedding dress is tried on, it is really magic!
Come and watch this smart talented girl share her gifts with her friends and town, but will she be able to shake off the hurts and terror that she is holding?
This is a very quick read, I read it in one setting, and will hold your attention!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Hauck House. and was not required to give a positive review.
This novella was wonderful! It is a romance story, but it is so much more. Facing your fears and truly living your best life is a theme that runs through the story. Also after achieving goals, at the lost of your core life, was the goal worth what was lost?
The author created an amazing small town in Hearts Bend, Tennessee. The characters are life-like, flawed and spiritual. I cared about them quite early in the story, which I think shows great writing skills. The plot flows very well and I was interested in the story immediately after beginning the book. I love the magic of the Wedding Dress, knowing who it is meant for and adapting to the blessed lady.
I highly recommend this heart-warming book! This was the first book in this series that I have read, and I definitely will be reading the others. I was able to understand the story fully, not having read the previous books in the series.
I also want to add that I was moved by the author’s dedication of her book: To God from whom all blessings flow.
I want to thank NetGalley.com, Hauck House and BookBuzz.net for allowing me to read the ARC. My review is completely my own opinion, not influence by receiving the ARC.
In this latest novella by Ms. Hauck, readers will continue the journey of the wedding dress. In a previous novel, readers learn the history behind the dress. This novella provides a glimpse of characters from the previous book as well. If you loved the first story, you will love this one as well. If you haven’t read any of Ms. Hauck’s books, this would be a great start (but be prepared to want to read anything from her). This book focuses on JoJo who works at the bridal shop helping ensure that all brides can find the perfect dress for themselves. She helps others with no plan to get married herself. Buck Matthews is worn out and tired of all of the publicity that he receives. He returns home to visit with his mom (who is sick) and take some time to himself. As Buck and JoJo spend time together, they discover how much they enjoy their company. This story takes place during Christmas. As you read, you will discover what happens with Buck and JoJo and the role the wedding dress plays in their story. If you are looking for a great story, then this book is for you! I highly recommend any of Ms. Hauck’s books! I know you will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.
This is my first book by this author and while it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the previous book, but had no trouble following this story.
I love small town romances, because they tend to have great and sometimes quirky characters and there is such an amazing feeling of warmth and togetherness. This book was no different.
his was a sweet and magical story with wonderful characters. The author did a great job of bringen the town and the people come alive.
The perfect christmas story.
This was a great book. All this Arthur’s books are great!
Rachel Hauck will put you in the Christmas spirit in this lovely novella. Can’t wait to see what she has in store for fans next!!! No doubt in my mind – it will be just as brilliant!!!
I’ve now read this twice. I just absolutely love it. When the ” Wedding Dress” starts working its magic, my heart just smiles. I can’t say enough about Rachel Hauck’s ability to just draw the reader into the small town world that she sets some of her wonderful novels in….just amazing!!!
I loved this story! This is such a sweet, tender, funny story. Sometimes the “one” that got away, isn’t ever really gone, but waiting for the right time.
December comes to quaint Hearts Bend, Tennessee, with a blanket of white and the glitter of Christmas lights.
For JoJo Castle there is no place like home. Her onetime love of adventure ended when her life in the big city came crashing down. Now that she’s home, she never wants to leave again.
Country music sensation Buck Mathews has charmed the world with his smile and his music. However, news of his mother’s illness brought him home to Hearts Bend for the holiday season.
Working with her cousin Haley in The Wedding Shop, JoJo has no aspirations of love. But when her high school crush returns to town, her buried feelings surface.
Busy with his career, Buck hasn’t had time for family and friends, much less love. Seeing JoJo in The Wedding Shop reminds him there are things more important than his career.
But JoJo and Buck have opposing life goals, and there’s no middle ground. Can love, especially the kind that touches hearts at Christmas, overcome her fears and his quest for greatness?
With the help of a very special wedding dress, there just might be a Christmas miracle.
This is a cute continuation of the Wedding Dress series. Buck and JoJo meet up again after years of being apart. The spark is still there and this book is about their journey to happy ever after. This can be read as a stand alone book, but characters from previous books showed up to visit in this book. The other Wedding Dress books are good so I would recommend reading them as well.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
Wow, this is a great book! If you are looking for a book to put you in the Christmas spirit, you have to read this book. I love the continuation of the wedding dress story, but if you haven’t read the other books in the series that’s ok. This book gives enough back story that you don’t have to (but the whole series is wonderful, so read those next). Buck and JoJo have such chemistry, and just need a little push to get them in the right direction. I loved this book!