Andrea Boeshaar's Always a Bridesmaid ~ Reviewed

Always a Bridesmaid
By Andrea Boeshaar
Published by Heartsong Presents
ISBN 1-59310-946-6

Melody Cartwright can't believe what she's hearing: Her little sister is getting married—first. When Bonnie's mysterious fiancé turns out to be Melody's ex-boyfriend from college and he claims he doesn't remember her, Mel has nowhere to turn.

Luke Berringer has loved Melody since fourth grade. Now if he just had the courage to let her know he is alive … Having lived next door his entire life, he's learned a thing or two about her close-knit family. But suddenly Melody needs help, and Luke wants to be the one she turns to.

Can Luke be Melody's knight in shining armor? Or will Melody always be an bridesmaid?

I thoroughly enjoyed Andrea Boeshaar's Broken Things and Precious Things, but I wasn't sure about a romance book. But Boeshaar avoided the formula romance and created a warm, home town story that happened to be romantic. Not once did I roll my eyes and think, "No way." I was drawn into Melody's life by Boeshaar's stellar writing. The wonderful descriptions throughout the book gave me a feeling of being there, not just reading about it. I became invested in the characters and the outcome. I got indignant when Melody's family suspected she might not be telling the truth. I strongly disliked Bonnie's fiancé. I fell in love with Luke, and I cheered the denouement.

I highly recommend you grab a tall glass of iced tea and take this book out on the porch—it's a perfect summer read.

Reviewed by Ane Mulligan
www.anemulligan.com