Member Reviews

This was probably one of the first movies I watched that made me fall in love with Hallmark and I was thrilled to have a book publishing division to follow. I'm way more of a book gal than a TV gal!

So in this story, cowboy Brady returns home as a big country music star. He is all set to marry his famous fiancee, but as wedding planning gets underway, he realizes that he belongs in the county and his fiancee is a city girl through and through. He is reminded even more of this by his childhood sweetheart, and his first "wife" that he married in the barn when they were kids.

As they work together to plan Brady's wedding, he realizes the one he is about to marry may not he the right one and he "married" the right one long before. It is a really sweet story about home, roots, first loves and family. It's also about finding inspiration in the right places and people. Enjoy!

Was this review helpful?

When a country music star returns to his small town, he realizes all that he’s left behind…

Country music star Bradley Suttons is all set to marry his Hollywood actress girlfriend. There’s just one thing: he’s forgotten he’s already married. When he was thirteen years old, he and his childhood best friend, Sarah Standor, held a makeshift wedding ceremony in his barn. Their promise? To always be there for one another. Their vows? Not exactly legally binding.

Loved this book and the characters. Such a sweet romance. Book was well written, and Bradley/Sarah felt so down to earth and relatable. I'll definitely read more from this author!

*I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I remembered the story from watching the Hallmark movie a couple of years ago, but that did not dampen my enjoyment. Country music star Bradley Suttons is engaged to be married to a Hollywood Actress. His childhood friend, Sarah Standor, sees the announcement and remembers the "wedding" when they married at the age of thirteen, just after his parents had died and he was moving to Nashville to live with an aunt and uncle. She sends him the ring they used in the ceremony, his mother's engagement ring, bringing back memories of his hometown and the fact that he still owned the family ranch. He heads home to clean out and sell the home, but when he meets up with Sarah and their other best friend, now the local pastor, he remembers what it is like to have a home, friends and live in a small town. He is also trying to write new songs for an upcoming album and being home, cures his songwriter's block. Sarah has her own issues. She runs an equine rescue and is running out of time. She owes the bank for missed mortgage payments and if the grant she has applied for doesn't come through, she will lose the ranch. Bradley offers to help her with fences and care of the animals while he is in town, in exchange for her planning his wedding in her barn. Will he realize what is really important in life?

This story is exactly what I love about Hallmark books and movies. Someone returns home and realizes what they really want out of life. There is some romance, some angst, and then a Happily Ever After. There are some messages about being true to yourself, friendship, belonging to a community, and wanting to make others happy that bring that uplifting feeling to this story. I was interested in the equine rescue part of the story as well. It is important to remember that as a horse owner, they are a lifetime commitment, and someone has to care for these aging animals. Both Sarah and Bradley were wonderful characters. They both had a bit of a chip on their shoulders and Sarah was an independent woman that did not want help from Bradley, but as they got to know each other again, learn about each others lives and secrets, those chips fell off. An uplifting story with a happy ending that was perfect to listen to while floating in the pool. If you like a clean romance, that is a bit predictable, but sweet, then pick up A Country Wedding.

Was this review helpful?

Bradley and Sara once loved each other enough to pretend to get married. Their lives have go completely different ways. One is a big star the other is running a Ranch. The feels they both thought were long not may not be to far away. They learn they can help each other. I really enjoyed this book. Thank Hallmark for the complimentary copy!!

Was this review helpful?

Great book! I watched the movie and it was nothing compared to the book! Always a lot left out of a movie that is essential in the book. Didn't expect to like this as much as I did!

Was this review helpful?

Enjoyed this romantic tale. Will be watching the movie next.
Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

I just love Hallmark movies. So, since I heard the news about Hallmark Publishing, I was curious to read something. And then I found this e-book on NetGalley.

A Country Wedding is based on Hallmark's movie of the same name. Hallmark Publisher often turns some of them into books, but there are also original novels.

Bradley Suttons would never have imagined how far his musical career could go. From the bars in Nashville, he eventually became the Grammy Award-Winner Album of the Year. He loves country music and everyone recognizes him wherever he goes. With fame, it is difficult to have private moments or keep some information
to himself. But it's complicated when you're dating one of the greatest actress of Hollywood, Catherine Mann.

Catherine and Bradley have a great relationship. Bradley always remembers that without her help, perhaps, his career would not have so much praise. They understand each other and do not charge for anything. Until, in a appearance on TV, Catherine decides to announce to everyone that they are engaged. Bradley, who wanted to keep everything private, finds himself between the lines. As soon as the announcement is made, Catherine and her agent begin all preparations. And it is like he is outside and his opinion does not count.

Bradley wants a private wedding. All about them and some friends. Catherine does not like the idea. She wants to be seen and adored by her fans, and for that, she needs to plan everything in secret. So, she's not too upset about Bradley returning to his hometown, in Texas, to complete the sale of an old property. With his absence, the bride to be could find a way to leak the information. And let's say the singer's decision to return to the old home may have been fueled by a certain letter he received from his childhood friend, Sarah Standor, whom Bradley has not seen in long time.

Sarah and Bradley got married when he was only thirteen. But calm down! It was a big empathy act on Sarah's part. Bradley had lost his parents in an accident and moved to another city to live with an aunt. And Sarah, watching all his friend sorrow, decided that they should marry, so he could consider her his family and ease
some of his sense of loss. Watching the announcement on TV, Sarah sends him a letter, with their engagement ring, blooming all his memories.

Arriving in his hometown, Bradley begins to reconnect with his roots and his old friends. Living on his parents's property helps him compose new songs and change completely. Sarah is helping him in some details of the "private" wedding, while Catherine sets a way for everyone to know about her big day. Easy to say, this
rapprochement rekindles much more than just a friendship between them, right?

And it makes Bradley to question every road of his relationship with Catherine. However, Sarah can not waste time because she is about to lose her ranch due to the high debts. She does a wonderful job, rescuing and caring for horses, but there is no other way to keep the place besides in her heart. And she would never ask any help for Bradley.

And then their beutiful friendship rekindles. Bradley recognizes the true meaning of "home". From friendship to passion, they eventually figure out all the lost moments and notice how that place is full of people who loves them like a family.

I did not know the author Leigh Duncan because we don't have her books in Brazil. But I checked at Amazon and noticed that she has a long work done with a lot of romance. I think it's a bit of prerequisite, script-driven books be more descriptives, but Leigh know how to do it, always at good times, especially with regard to the
characters' feelings and all the atmosphere around them.

I really like these "hometown" stories, and Hallmark makes a lot of them. They usually bring beautiful messages to us, thay no matter what happens in yout life, there are places that will always have you and your heart. Bradley and Sarah are friends, above all else, which I also appreciate in novels, since much of it - on these days - is rushed. And of course, it involves music. I love it!

Sarah's background is so lovely. She is a sweetheart. The girl welcomes battered and elderly horses and cares for them with all the affection in the world. And she is in love with the ranch. Every day, she wakes up taking care of every detail. It's a pity that she stands on the edge of abyss, almost losing everything she has built. Her
parents left the camp life to the big city, and she insisted and stayed there because she still loved everything. Honestly, it gave me even more will to live in a place like the one described in the book. So peaceful. The author know how to convey the air of peace and hospitality.

Both have good chemistry, though can be odd as Bradley's wedding preparations keep following. And they respect eact other's space as far as they can resist. I think the fact the reader knows that they were already great friends, but only distants, helps a lot to absorb the feeling growing between them. And because I was very sympathetic to Sarah, it was easy to cheer for her happiness.

They enjoy all the moments together in the city, with another friend, Adam. They go out fishing, meet restaurants and other events, even concerts. I found it funny that Sarah was a Catherine fan and comment on things that Bradley did not know about her. I don't think Catherine loves Bradley, I think having him by her side is just one more thing to fill her ego.

A Country Wedding is a lovely romance that will bright your afternoon or a weekend. Author Leigh Duncan presents a sweet narrative for those who love romances without so much difficulty. It is a pure love story that focuses more on feeling. It puts a smile on our faces - maybe a few tears - and a funny epilogue.

Read it in e-book. Just loved the beautiful layout. Too bad my Kindle only shows things in B&W, but I was able to look better at Amazon's website, in the sample, and it has colorful details like the hat and flowers between the chapters. It's a short book, but it still has a lovely epilogue and a part dedicated to a Bradley's recipe. I won't make it, because I am a denial in the kitchen.Ha!

Cheers from Brazil :*

Was this review helpful?

This was an adorable and delightful book. I absolutely LOVED the characters and all of their tiny quirks. The romance was charming as was the setting. I remember watching this movie on Hallmark and I'm so glad that there is a book that matched up with the movie!


*ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I want to express a thank you to the valued author, the publisher who took a chance on the author, and Netgalley for providing a copy.*

Was this review helpful?

Thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to read this book! I appreciate the kindness. <3

Was this review helpful?

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

I love Hallmark movies, so sweet and romantic, and this is on my best of list. The book is told more from Bradley's point of view that Sarah's and I found that to work extremely well. My only complaint is that the movie didn't take advantage of the terrific epilogue in the book. It was a wonderful ending to this couples story.

Bradley Suttons and Sarah Standor were neighbors and best friends as kids. When Bradley's parents are killed Sarah comes up the idea for them to marry. This way Bradley will always have a family. The third Musketeer, Adam, performs the ceremony and the two 13 year old kids are, unofficially, married.

A decade later Brad is set to marry America's sweetheart and needs Sarah to help plan his country wedding. Fate brings this couple together again and it's the best thing that ever happened to either one. They have a couple of weeks to reacquaint and fall in grown-up love. Since it's a romance story we already know the country wedding will happen for the two characters we come to love. It's a good story, good book, and good movie. Happy reading.

#LeighDuncan #ACountryWedding #Hallmark #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

I received this book via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this romance novel set in a small town in Texas. The MCs, Sarah and Bradley, were friends as children but the sudden death of his parents separated them. Over the years, Bradley becomes a famous country singer engaged to a movie actress. He returns to his old town, and rekindles his friendship with Sarah. I love the second chance romance aspect and the characters were really believable.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this book! I love that Hallmark Publishing is coming out with the books based on the movies! This book is charming and romantic and just the sweetest! Loved!

Was this review helpful?

I love me a good Hallmark movie! This book was exactly that. A Hallmark movie in the form of a book that I could take everywhere. Bradley and Sarah's characters were perfectly chiseled. I loved following them through their story. Duncan is a new to me author, but her way with words, her beautifully chiseled characters, her hope and inspiration inside the pages of this book, was incredible and I will definitely be reading more by her. Now that I've read this 4 star worthy book, I'm off to hunt down the movie!

Was this review helpful?

It's based on a Hallmark movie, I knew when requesting it I'd love it! Its all about second chances and never ending love. Lots of emotion which if you knew who you loved since 13 and had a book about it you'd expect emotion. There is a bit of twist in the ending. Both book and movie are 5 stars

Was this review helpful?

THE BOOK BAR GAVE THIS ONE ☕☕☕☕
Do you only get one true love? Do opposites attract? Well for Sarah, Catherine and Bradley answers to these questions are answered in A Country Wedding. It is no secret that I enjoy the Hallmark Channel on the weekends and have seen this movie a few times, which what drew me to the book.

Sarah is the girl next door and after finishing veterinary school ends up back in her childhood home caring for horses living out their last days. She is content to live the simple life with simple things.

At thirteen tragedy strikes and Bradley is moved away from his childhood home and takes a different path of his friends in Mill Town. His journey takes him into a world of celebrity and spotlights.

Catherine has spent most of her life in the spotlight and it’s all she knows. Her and Bradley’s relationship appears to be going well and the talks of taking it to the next step are underway. Once the announcement of their upcoming nuptials is leaked, things begin to unfold. We find that these two couldn’t be more different.

Bradley decides to come to Mill Town to tie up loose ends and prepare for his small intimate barn wedding, those plans take a few twists and turns, but brings him full circle and gives him his second chance at real love.

I recommend this sweet small-town romance for reading pleasure.

Was this review helpful?

One of the cute books to read which goes from a childhood wedding to a read one. Bradley has the riches and music in his life and he is to get married to his girlfriend. He goes back to the home of his childhood at Mill Town to tie up the loose ends. And he meets Sarah and love happens...

I love a second chance love story, my first book by author Leigh Duncan, this was a completely joyous read during Christmas. The book started a bit slow but kept me tuned to it, turning pages continuously. Sarah was my favorite, she was strong and I loved the way her love was absolute. I grew to like Bradley slowly. And a wedding in the barn soon brought about a sweet twist at the end.

Overall a good book on a cool crisp winter morning.

Was this review helpful?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

Can I just say WOW?! This book was a little slow in the beginning but like a house that will stand the test of time because of a good foundation. The first couple of chapters, while they were a little slow, they were laying down a foundation for the book to stand on.

This book will have your emotions all over the place. You will cheer, cry, stomp your feet, swear, cuss and cry again. That is a sign of a great book. It evokes feeling in you; makes you a part of the story. It will play like a movie in your head. I really wanted to slap Bradley a few times. He is basically a good guy but a very confused one. Sarah on the other hand was the perfect female protagonist. She was strong, reliable and a true friend in the very sense of the word. There were places in this book that I highlighted as to the wording of a wonderful relationship that should be between a husband and a wife. There were also placed that brought me to great sadness. I had to re-read these sections over as I had a hard time seeing through my tears!

I so highly recommend this story to anyone.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first time I have read anything by this author but it certainly won't be the last. This was a quick, easy read for me that caught my interest from the start and kept it through to the end. The characters came to life for me in this book and now I would like to see the movie as well. It was heartwarming romance.

Was this review helpful?

Very nice story. I liked the storyline and the characters were well thought out. I really enjoyed reading it.

Was this review helpful?

In this very sweet novel, A Country Wedding, Bradley Sutton has finally made it big in the Country Music world, has found the perfect fiancee and is feeling on top of the world, that is until he returns to his hometown of Mill Town, TX.
Bradley realized that maybe all he's ever wanted has been in front of him the whole time. Will he risk the "perfect" life for his first true love?

This was a very good book. It definately gives you all of the warm and fuzzy feelings. I am excited to watch the movie now to see how they compare!

Was this review helpful?