Bridal Favors [Hardcover] by

Wow, this book became a great surprise to me. I loved the storyline and the fall of the great single forever man and how he was so misunderstood. It was a nice story and kept moving forward, good progressions. Give it a try...you might be surprised as well.

I just read "Bridal Favors" back to back with "McClairen's Isle: The Passionate One" - and frankly, I am amazed that the same person wrote them both. McClairen's Isle was so dark and intense; Bridal Favors is full of light and air and cheer. Brockway writes both sorts with, apparently, equal aplomb. I totally adored Justin and Evelyn. They both stand out as individuals; Justin's glib tongue is endlessly amusing and Evelyn's determination and practicality are so poignantly woven in with her desire to please and vulnerability. They're both fundamentally good people, too, also independent and responsible. The ensemble is just delightful. Beverly the butler, Merry the dressmaker, Stow the spymaster...there's so much quirk and wit and froth, but at the same time, the plot is never thin and Justin is a pretty believable spy. This was a *fun* read - I smiled and laughed all through. I have to say, I am quite impressed by Brockway. I think I'm going to have to read all her other books now, too.

This was the first book that I've read from this author and it definitely won't be the last. I sometimes find it difficult to find an author whose voice I appreciate. And I came away from this book thinking that Connie Brockway was ten kinds of cool.Evelyn Cummings Whyte is an intelligent, witty, slightly gawky woman who wears glasses that she doesn't need and ugly dresses that she doesn't have to wear but that she thinks are 'serviceable.' Her aunt has run off to France to get married and unknowingly leaves Evelyn to do her best with her aunt's bridal business. Unfortunately, she's no good at it. REALLY not good at it. Sort of like throwing-a-goldfish-on-a-plate-with-a-raw-potato-because-you-know-that-people-eat-fish-and-potatoes sort of bad at it. Some people would make a thing like this trite and ridiculous, they might try too hard with the story line and come off sounding like they're trying to be funny instead of actually being funny. This is funny. This is cute. This is everything you're looking for in a romance. Go for it.

I'm delighted that Connie Brockway continues the excellence of THE BRIDAL SEASON in this second installment of the ill-fated Whyte's Wedding Planning Agency. With the same sharp, droll humor and insightful attention to social detail she exhibited in that earlier work, Brockway brings to life little over-compensating, domineering Evie and her perfect foil, Justin. The story races along involving a really decent little mystery, a wonderful cast of supporting characters, and enormous physical as well as intellectual magnetism between the leads. A fun, fun read and well worth the effort of seeking out.

Over on one of the review sites they asked if Connie Brockway canwrite such wonderful, witty dialogue and a action packed story AND have it be a great romance, too, why can't Hollywood? I agree completely. This book was wonderful! You could *see* and *hear* everything happening. In fact, you almost felt like you were at a great movie while you were reading it because everything swept you up and totally immersed you into that world. Sexy sexy sexy hero and a really fun heroine . Run out and grab this book if you want to smile.