This was a did not finish book for me. I just couldn't get into it. The characters just didn't seem that appealing.

My review can be seen at RT Book Reviews

If you’ve read One Week to the Wedding then that’s where you first met Charlotte. Charlotte is the sister of Kate, the main character of the first book and the one we felt all the sympathy for. I’m not gonna lie, I truly disliked Charlotte and the betrayal she set on Kate. I could never imagine doing that to my sister. My feelings definitely changed towards the end of the book. Then I found out Charlotte was getting her own book. So of course, I had to read it!
After the last year pulled a toll on Charlotte and her family, she’s ready to prove to everyone that she’s changed. All in anyone can do when trying to prove anything is try their best. Sometimes it’s a lot harder to do than it looks. Not only is Charlotte trying to make it on her own, she also has a seven month baby girl that she absolutely refuses to ask for help with. It all goes back to trying to prove something. But in doing so, she’s hurting herself.
Charlotte is trying to get back in good with her sister by working for her. It’s then she meets a client that wants her to pose as his “fake fiancée”. Um, yes please! This is one of my favorite tropes in romance. It rarely ever ends the way one wants it to. Especially when feelings get in the way!
Overall, this is a story about love, forgiveness, and redemption. It also sets up (hopefully) the next book in the series. Miles sure does know how to tug at the heartstrings in a lighthearted and romantic way.
*Thank you the publisher for providing a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

The Winter Wedding Plan is the sixth book I have read by Olivia Miles. I first began by reading her Briar Creek series (which I loved by the way). This is the second book in her new Misty Point series. I did not read book one in the series, and while I would have had a better sense of the backstory between the sisters, I do not feel that not reading book one inhibited my enjoyment of this book in any way, especially as there was adequate introduction of the characters. The story begins with Charlotte (single mother to Audrey) about to get evicted from her apartment. She is hoping to move in with her parents. At Thanksgiving dinner Charlotte is all posed to ask to move in when they land the news that they are moving to Florida to look after her grandmother and they have rented out their house. Oops…now where is she going to live? At this point, when Charlotte is too embarrassed, prideful, whatever to ask for help, I got a wee bit disenchanted with the character. She has a seven-month old baby for gosh sakes and she is about to be evicted. All I could think was, grow up and ask for help!

Moving on from there, I found the parentage of Audrey (old fiancé of Charlotte’s sister Kate) to be interesting. Now I mean interesting in that the sister’s seemed to be able to move past this; I am not sure that is something I could move past, but good for them. Also, I respect and understand Charlotte’s need to be self-sufficient and prove herself but when times are tough, who cares what the biological dad wants – I would have bugged him for child support so that the child could be safe and secure. At the very least, inform her family about the truth as opposed to letting them believe he is helping her. That just made me irritated.

Okay…really moving on now. ☺ I found the reading of the book easy and kept me engaged. I have always liked Oliva Miles’ style. Her storytelling abilities are engaging and fun.

Gregory Frost is in a pickle. His mother, Rita (CEO of Frost Greeting Cards for nearly 30 years) has just received a Christmas card from Darling Cards (their major competitor) with the entire family in the photo, even wearing matching clothes. This could be problematic because if Frost Greeting Cards received a card, so did Burke’s. And both Darling Cards and Frost Greet Cards are courting Burke’s for their business. So Rita suggests (actually dictates) that Frost Greeting Cards hold their annual VIP Christmas party at the family home in Misty Point, to give it a more personal touch. There the guests will be greeted by Greg and his fiancé. One problem though, Greg has ditched the fiancé. The fun part of the book, which kept me totally engrossed was how Greg and Charlotte got into acting like Charlotte was his fiancé AND Charlotte was the party planner. From here on out, many humorous events happened (didn’t it always to Charlotte one might ask?). The chemistry between the two is palpable, with each fighting the attraction.

The unfolding of the story was well paced and definitely kept my interest, as I expected from a read by Olivia Miles. One thing I found that detracted me from thoroughly enjoying the book was the numerous spelling and/or grammatical errors. I really wish the editor had performed another run through. One such example, easy to miss was the “he” should be “she” as it was an interaction between Audrey and her mother Charlotte:

“There we are,” he said, pointing to reflection. “Mommy and Audrey.”

I must also say – I love the book cover – it added a bit of sophistication to the story, which given the immaturity of Charlotte (in the beginning at least), that is good.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and have always been a sucker for Christmas / holiday themed stories. If you are a fan of romance, holiday themed books, and a hunky (but a bit clueless) man…then pick up this book and enjoy.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

Earlier this year, I read One Week to the Wedding, the intro to a new series by Olivia Miles, featuring a recently jilted wedding planner (Kate) and her family. Fun and endearing, I was able to devour it in an afternoon so, as soon as I saw the second book in the series, The Winter Wedding Plan, I knew I had to add to my TBR.

Similar to the first book, this one gave me that Elin Hilderbrand vibe; heartwarming and endearing. I ended up sitting down to start this book and finished it within a few hours. Featuring Kate’s sister, Charlotte, recently back from some time away from home (reasons are explained in the previous book, so I don’t want to ruin anything!) is trying to redeem herself and ends up smack dab in the middle of a plan that she doesn’t know if she can handle. Greg is a high profile client with a lot on the line. As he and Charlotte become closer, will he risk it all for a chance at true happiness? That being said, I do think the book could be difficult to read as a standalone. The characters build from the first book, as does the plot.

I think I liked this book even better than the first, Miles truly gets into her stride and further develops these characters. I loved it. There are some truly heartfelt moments and some hilarious ones too as Charlotte tries to navigate motherhood and her family. If you are looking for a fun, romance novel to get you into the holiday spirit, I would recommend this one! It’s a great winter read!

The Winter Wedding Plan brings us Charlotte’s journey as she works on rebuilding her relationship with her sister, Kate, and settles into motherhood. She’s working with Kate in her event planing company now and things for Charlotte are about to get interesting. As Kate’s own wedding is approaching Charlotte offers to take on a major holiday party plan. It will bring her into the circle of Greg Frost, and it will also put steps in place for her own future… should one man who doesn’t believe in love change his mind, and one fake engagement becomes the truly forever kind.

Charlotte has made mistakes. On the level of Julia Robert’s comment in Pretty Woman “Big mistake. Huge.” She’s been working on mending her relationship with her sister, as well as all the craziness of being a single mom to her adorable baby Audrey. It’s not easy, she knows it’s not going to be but she’s trying. This event will, in her mind, go a long way to show Kate that she can be trusted with something big. She didn’t see becoming pretend engaged to a handsome man in that future, but sometimes fate offers us things we never expected. As pretend slowly turns to real feelings Charlotte has even more on her plate. Watching Greg and Charlotte work their way into each other’s hearts was a sweet journey. Truth is Charlotte’s feelings of self worth, seeking redemption that has already been given and balancing baby, love life often leads her to not communicate or to not understand what someone else means. Often she is hurt from her own misunderstandings than from actual intent. Charlotte once made a huge mistake and she’s paid for it. Now she needs to learn, with a loving man and family around her, how to let go and enjoy the future that’s right in front of her.

I enjoyed The Winter Wedding Plan very much. A bit of romance, lots of sister and woman to woman relationship building and seeing one young woman come into her own worth and life… all of that makes a fantastic story. I’d highly recommend this story to any Romance reader. While strictly not necessary perhaps, I would recommend reading One Week To The Wedding as all the background you’ll need is there, plus it’s an amazing book as well.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This is Book #2 in the Misty Point series.  I could not wait to read about Charlotte's story.  I wanted to see if the relationship between Charlotte and Kate could improve.  I also wanted to see her overcome everything and be happy.  I will not tell you if they all happened because you really should read this book.  Very well written with real characters!!  I hope there is third book about their friend and local florist.


☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

Charlotte Daniels lives in Misty Point, Rhode Island with her daughter, 7-month-old, Audrey. Her parents have accepted the fact that she is a single mother and spoil Audrey and Charlotte too. Charlotte never married, Jake, Audrey’s father. When he found out Charlotte was pregnant, he paid her some money and wants nothing to do with either of them. Their family is all together enjoying Thanksgiving dinner.

Her sister, Kate, is getting married in January. Kate owns an event planning company and Charlotte has been working there part-time. She needs the money to support herself and Audrey. Charlotte is thinking of asking her parents if she can move in with them to save money, but they announce that they are putting the house up for rent and moving to Florida to take care of her grandmother. There goes Charlotte’s plan. She is being evicted for not being able to pay her rent and isn’t sure where she can now live.

Also at Thanksgiving dinner is Charlotte’s cousin, Bree, who is a florist and a single woman. She loves living in her hometown but wishes she had a man in her life. Simon is her ex-boyfriend and it is hard for her to not think about him.

Greg Frost is staying at his home in Misty Point. The last time he had been there, he was with Rebecca as they discussed their wedding plans. Now, that they have broken up, he is there alone. His mother is the CEO of Frost Greeting Cards and lives in California. Greg works for the company and his mother is insisting that he host a holiday party there at the family home. His mother does not know that he has broken up with Rebecca so he needs a fiancé fast. He contacts Kate’s event planning company to coordinate the party and Charlotte grabs the job. She wants to prove to her sister that she can do it. When Greg and Charlotte meet and he finds out she has a baby, he invites them to live at his home with him and his housekeeper while she plans the party. In return, she must pose as his fiancé for the party.

With Christmas coming, Charlotte gets caught up in all of the festivities and tries to get Greg involved as well. Not a holiday man, it’s difficult to get him interested. As the date for the party gets closer, things build as does the relationship between Charlotte and Greg.

Will the party go well and will Charlotte be able to make this a good Christmas for Audrey?

This is a nice, feel-good, close family, small town type of story that grabs the reader’s interest. You can’t help but get involved in the stories of the family members. I am certain that readers will enjoy this book as much as I did.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

We meet Charlotte in One week to the wedding and you wonder what her story is. We know that she was treated like dirt by her daughter’s father and that he is a total skeez...but who is Charlotte really?

This book in the series gives us Charlotte. We see her insecurities and fears. How she doesn’t feel she is doing things right but knows that her love for her daughter and giving her a place where she feels loved and safe is all that matters. Charlotte is out to show to her sister and everyone she has changed. In the process though she does lose a piece of herself. Not only that she takes things the wrong way at times and becomes less confident in herself. charlotte though is stronger than she realizes. She is a great mom and friend. Her desire to improve herself and her situation is admirable. Her love for her daughter Audrey is beautiful and helps drive her. So does her stubborn nature. She wants to redeem herself but as you read the story you ask yourself does she really need to or has this happened already? We learn that maybe she is miscommunicating with those she feels she needs to redeem herself with. Charlotte struggles in this book but throughout it all her daughter is what matters most to her.

Gregory is in town to get away and figure out things. He never thought he wanted family or even truly knew that after his grandfather died and he is feeling a void. What the void is is part of his journey. He is a good character on a journey to figure out the meaning of family and love. His mom loves him but shows it in a odd way. she pushes him and when she gives the ultimatum that was where your mouth drops. It’s hard to believe a mom would do that but there is a reason and it does bring Charlotte into his world.

These two help one another while learning who they are to themselves and each other. They start out as strangers helping one another out. She is going to be his planner for the party and a little more but this gets blurred. When she is with Gregory she is more of her old self. She is feisty, spunky and confident or more confident. She doesn’t take crud from him and puts him in his place too. She helps gregory to relax and see what Christmas and family is. He sees what he wants and how family and love was shown in his family. the explore and learn about one another and fall in love. Even when Charlotte felt he deserved better and she wasn’t it for him we see him try to show her his feelings. One flaw of Charlotte is her miscommunication and sometimes lack of communication. She doesn’t always talk to the other person so she can see where things stand and it does hurt her at times. It does all work out but if she just talked to people in the first place a lot of angst and heartache could be prevented.

funny moment: him taking care of Audrey and the diaper incident. but it was a sweet moment as well. This little girl and her mother captured his heart.

Another character who has a shining role is Bree. We see her learn about herself and what she wants in the future. She becomes stronger and more vocal. She is a great supporting character and friend to Charlotte when she needs it the most.

the story is told from Charlotte’s and Gregory’s POV. We see their confusion, journey and thoughts. Watch them grow and find love with one another and realize who they are and what family means. the story is one of forgiveness second chances, family, friends and love.

Now I can’t wait to see what is next for this group of characters.

Winter Wedding was my first read by Miles. While I absolutely enjoyed the story, I did feel a little lost at first. I felt like I was showing up late to the party Charlotte's back story while it was easy to piece together I think reading book one, One Week To The Wedding, would have helped. Not knowing her complete back story did not impact my feelings about the book, however, I do think it would have helped the initial confusion.

Charlotte is working with her sister as an event planner and trying to get her life in order. With wedding plans building up for her sister, and being a single mom things begin to get a little out of control. When a client is in need of a fake fiance Charlotte takes the opportunity and everything should be smooth sailing as long as feelings don't get involved. Watching the sweet chaos and Charlotte find herself again was delightful. I loved everything about this story and can't wait to read more from Miles.

I fell in love with the Misty Point series and Olivia Miles’s writing when I read the first book ( One Week to The Wedding) . I dove right into Charlotte’s story!
Charlotte is trying to get her life back in order and get the trust of her friends and family back and move forward in her life. She is extremely stubbord and I totally get her trying to do all on her own but something has to give sometimes!
The Winter Wedding Plan is a sweet story that had me crying a lot! Like I am A LOT! I wanted to become friends with Charlotte and her daughter and just help them! I love how Olivia Miles writes a book with amazing core ideas, the importance of family and deserving a second chance.
I can’t wait for more from Olivia and the Misty Point series!

I fell in love with Olivia Miles writing with the release of One Week To The Wedding and am thrilled to finally have the follow-up. The Winter Wedding plan is the story about the reconciliation of the deeply divided Daniels sisters', Kate and Charlotte.

Charlotte certainly has much to make up for and this story focuses on her life as she works on reconciling with Kate and making a home for herself and her daughter Audrey. She's had a hard time as a young mother and the situation that created that circumstance made it hard to believe I'd feel much sympathy for her. But in the end Charlotte is a character who is certainly worthy of Kate's forgiveness and in finding some happiness of her own. But Charlotte faces an identity crisis and needs direction to get her life back on track.

"But then she didn’t know the real Charlotte. She had no idea that Charlotte was a single, unwed mother. A townie from Misty Point. An event planner."

Also playing a large part in this story is their cousin Bree. She's experiencing her own recent breakup that's left her a bit lost and envious of anyone partnered off. At times it's painful to be privy to her thoughts and seeing her move through the holiday season:

"It seemed to Charlotte that Bree wasn’t so much as physically sick as she was heartsick. She knew all the signs by now. Lack of sleep. Lack of appetite. Crestfallen expression. Broken spirit."

I enjoyed getting to know both Charlotte and Bree. Miles does a really great job putting us in both characters heads and moving their lives forward - getting passed the past and creating their own futures. Of course, the big event that they story leads up to is Kate's wedding and securing a holiday filled with family and friends. 4.5 stars - series and book recommendation!

When you hit rock bottom, there's no place to go but up. Charlotte is quickly learning that it's much easier to screw up your life, but not as easy to rebuild it. Learning to be mature has never been her strong suit, but she's willing to try for the sake of her daughter and the love of her sister. For a chance at redemption she's willing to risk everything. Including her heart. Ms. Miles introduced Charlotte in One Week to the Wedding. The woman with a chip on her shoulder and a lot of hurt in her heart has become a better person by learning how to forgive and love. The Winter Wedding Plan is another jewel in the crown that is Olivia Miles.

I love a pretend romance turned not so pretend! It's definitely on my list of favorite tropes. This however isn't the fun romp this trope typically is. These characters have some serious issues. Charlotte started out as the villain in the first book, One Week to the Wedding, though it became apparent by the end that all was not as it seemed. In this book the focus is much more on Charlotte and if anyone needs a hug and a helping hand it's her. What she thought was a new beginning is quickly falling into pieces around here and she's desperate to prove to her family that she's not the irresponsible selfish child she was before as well as committed to earning a second chance with her sister Kate.

I couldn't help but root for Charlotte and while she did make things harder on herself by not fully explaining her precarious financial position to her family I understood her reasoning. I did want to shake her family for not really looking at Charlotte and realizing just how close to breaking she was.

Greg Frost is a bit like Charlotte, alone and trying to be everything to everyone else all at once. The fake relationship is offered in desperation and accepted in desperation but it was wonderful to watch the act of desperation start to lead to a little more strength and maybe even a little bit of healing. Olivia Miles' books aren't fun romps but they are sweet with lots of heart and characters that seem like friends.

After reading the first book in this series, One Week To The Wedding, I knew that Charlotte's story was going to be an emotional one.

And Olivia Miles did not disappoint.

Putting your life back together, earning back the trust of family and friends, moving on with life is never easy, and even harder when you want to do it on your own, without asking for help.

I adore Charlotte, even through all her stubbornness. I want to give her a big hug (but also at the same time tell her to ask for help!)

I am not going to lie, there may have been a little tear or two as the story progressed. I just couldn't help it as my heart ached for Charlotte and her sweet little girl. I couldn't help but cheer for her though as she really did find herself moving on in life.

The Winter Wedding Plan is a sweet, adorable story about giving ourselves and others second chances - at forgiveness, at family, at love.

There is some great set up for what I am hoping will be the 3rd book in the Misty Point series, as I need Charlotte's cousin Bree to find her forever guy.

Can't wait to see what Ms Miles brings us next.

Putting your life back together is a hard thing to do. It is even harder when you unnecessarily refuse to ask for help. Such is the case with Charlotte Daniels in the Winter Wedding Plan by Olivia Miles. Convinced she has to do it all herself, Charlotte doesn’t realize that by shutting people out, she is holding on to the past instead of moving forward. Exactly the opposite of what she thinks she’s doing. I enjoyed reading this novel, but at the same time I never completely warmed up to Charlotte. Her self-reliance, and refusal to be honest with those around her who love her, made her hard to like, in my opinion. She does finally figure it out in the end which makes the entire journey worthwhile.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.

Another great book from this author. I really enjoyed this one and the emotional ups and downs that you go through while reading this one. There is a lot of drama, but in my opinion it's needed to get us to where the author is trying to take us. This was one of the best books I've read all year. I can't wait for more.

After reading the first in her series, One Week to the Wedding, it was a no brainer that I had to check this out too because Miles is a fun author to read.

Miles wraps her plot around Charlotte who is this wonderful character you want to root for as she is bound and determined to be a better person and mom. She has this plan to turn things around by being more organized and successful so her daughter can have a happier life. Now she has a chance to improve her relationship with her sister as they work together so what could possibly go wrong. The family dynamics are emotional, detailed and any woman with a sister will recognize the undercurrents.

To throw some added fun to the mix and spice things up for Charlotte, Miles springs Gregory Frost onto us to wind up Charlotte. He wants her to pretend to be his fiancé but this could harm the progress she’s made with her sister. After all what sister wouldn’t just be thrilled to find out her business partner and family is considering a job that could put their business into an ethical bind? Yet if she doesn’t and loses him as a client that could also cause potential harm so…talk about a fun dilemma. What is with these women attracting men issues that seem destined to keep blowing up their tenuous relationship?

If you read the first you’ll recognize the setting and people once again as we become intertwined in the Daniels Family saga. Whereas the first book focused on Kate, this one gives us a chance to get to see more of Charlotte in her rebuilding phase. Charlotte seems so desperate to want to be better, to prove her family wrong in their assessment of her but wanting to be better and actually doing it are two very different roads.

In the background the family drama is ongoing and we get sneak peeks to their lives that help fill in the time and space between Charlotte trying to do the right thing, at least in her own way. Miles allows us to be part of the minor characters’ lives without forgetting or not caring what’s going on with Charlotte. We’re provided with realistic storylines, fully developed characters, plenty of emotion, attention grabbing family squabbles and a world of fun you’re going to want to read to believe.

Miles has provided a carefree series you can wiles away the time with and just like her first it’s a wonderful piece of women’s fiction that is all about showing the story with heart rather than resorting to cheap erotic tricks.

Charlotte Daniels is ready to jump start her life, she knows she needs to do right by her daughter and give her the best chance at a good life and that starts with a good home environment. So, no more unorganized and undependable Charlotte, she is going keep their home clean, get all her bills paid, and take this opportunity she has been given with both hands and try her damnedest to succeed. She has just worked herself back into her sister Kate's good graces and is now working for her at her party planning business, and she is determined to not let her down... but then their newest client Gregory Frost walks into her life and turns it upside down. When she arrives at his home for their meeting, he has a list of things he'd like for his party... and one of those things happens to be a fake fiance, and he wants Charlotte to play the part. She has to admit that is offer is tempting, but she is certain her sister Kate wouldn't approve... now she feels like she is stuck between a rock and a hard place, if she says no they might lose him as a client... but if she says yes she may lose her sister's respect. Talk about a tough choice...

In The Winter Wedding Plan readers are transported back to Misty Point and reemerged into the lives of Daniels family, this time the story centers more so around Charlotte and her second chance at life. While she starts off having the best intentions of making her family proud, she winds up finding herself wondering if she is about to disappoint them once again, she has never been known to make the best choices when it comes to men, but in her eyes Greg seems to be different... and she is determined to show her family she did it right this time. Throughout the story you also get updates on the rest of the family and their drama and on-goings, and I have to say Ms. Miles found a way to blend it all together seamlessly without taking from the main story. True to the last installment this one has the same realistic feel, full of heartfelt emotion, relatable family drama, and a story line you can't help but get wrapped up into! I really enjoyed this one, it warmed my heart, made me smile, and reminded me to appreciate my family(warts and all)! Highly recommend this one, it's sure to touch your heart!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

The Winter Wedding Plan by Olivia Miles is another great addition to the Misty Point series and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it- even more so than book 1! It has the magic of both Christmas and second chances and will make any reader fall in love. The authors writing style flows beautifully, the story is well paced, emotionally driven, and superbly told. I look forward to reading more.