Review: A July Bride: Good story but rushed
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 19, 2014
"A July Bride" turned out to be nothing like I expected—in a good way! When I began reading, I thought Alyssa and Brendan's reunion would be a fairly simple one, and I was a little annoyed that I thought I had it figured out so soon. But then Wiseman introduced Dalton, who also began vying for Alyssa's heart, and I wasn't sure who she would end up with or who I even wanted her to. The point of view shifts throughout the story among Alyssa, Brendan, and Dalton, allowing the reader to understand each of the characters.That said, by about a third of the way through the novella, I knew who Alyssa would end up with, as one of the suitors became decidedly unsuitable. But I didn't anticipate exactly how things would resolve themselves, and I did enjoy the journey. I also appreciated what I thought was a fairly realistic look at marriage presented by Alyssa's best friend Sherry and her husband Monroe.Some stories are suited for novellas, and others would function better as full-length novels. This is one of those stories that felt rushed as a novella. It covers the span of a full year, so much is left out/sped through. For example, Alyssa and Dalton's relationship—it took place over the span of several months, and while it moved a little rapidly, the pace wasn't unreasonable. But on one page, they've been dating for a few weeks in the early fall, and on the next page, it's winter and they've taken a major step towards marriage ... but the reader isn't privy to any of that. I would have enjoyed seeing the relationship develop a bit more.Overall, "A July Bride" is a quick, enjoyable read ... I just wish it had been longer and more developed. It's not my favorite of the Year of Weddings novellas, but it's still pretty good.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.