the setup…
Analyn Richards is a wedding planner on the eve of her own nuptials, one she’s planned to the nth degree. But unknown nagging doubts are troubling her, sending her into panic attacks and more. Even her unconventional grandmothers are delivering questions that she’s struggling to answer.
the heart of the story…
If one of the objectives of this story was to introduce some of the rich cultures of the South Carolina Lowcountry, then message thoroughly received! Analyn made me jumpy with her excessive need for perfection that was only tempered by her zany but intriguing grandmothers with their infusion of African and Filipino cultural beliefs. They were over the top but underneath all of that outward craziness was sound wisdom. It gave Analyn clarity when her own insecurities were blocking her vision.
the bottom line…
I enjoyed learning about Analyn’s rich culture, both mysteries to me and completely tantalizing. I also liked how despite her skepticism about some of the practices, she didn’t reject them and culled their essences. The imperfect ending was deliciously perfect. Nice start to this series as I’m now more curious.
Book Info
- Release Date: November 15, 2018
- Series: Lowcountry Brides #.5
- Page Numbers: 44
- Publisher: Blasian Chic Media
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the setup…
Maya Jackson is bridal gown designer working for one of the top brands in New York. She’s close to achieving her dream of becoming the head designer for Laura Whitcomb, Inc. when she receives news that her father has fractured his hip and needs her help. Maya is forced to return home to Charleston, taking a short leave of absence, without much needed pay but falls into a situation where she can earn cash while showcasing her unique talents. Widower and single father Derek Sullivan desperately needs help with his failing bridal boutique, Always a Bride, a legacy from his late mother. Maya turns out to be the Godsend he wasn’t looking for.the heart of the story…
Maya and Derek’s story is at the forefront but what resonates strongly is the Lowcountry setting. We see not only the typical aspects of Charleston but also the African cultural roots of the town. They serve as an important backdrop as Maya struggles with staying true to her “Blasian” heritage. She’s part Black and part Filipino and the sewing techniques she learned from her Filipino mother are elements in her gown designs. Her romance with Derek is complicated by his difficult 11-year old daughter who’s still struggling with the loss of her own mother. I appreciated Maya’s turmoil over returning to New York or staying in Charleston as both offered very different satisfactions. In the end, she had to consider what truly was most important to her versus all those other forces driving her dreams.the narration…
I loved the narrator who captured the essence of Maya’s personality, even making me sympathetic to her when I wasn’t feeling that in my head. She gave distinctive voices to the other important characters.the bottom line…
I enjoyed this story so much more than I’d anticipated because of the cultural influences. They impacted just about everything. The romance was more muted but the richness of the setting and personal conflicts made this a solidly layered story. Maya was a complicated woman who was also living with sickle cell anemia and I learned a lot about the realities of the disease. Derek’s late wife died in the church massacre that made national news so there was a touch of realism, though the church is fictional here. I appreciated the tribute to the victims in this indirect way. I’m looking forward to continuing the series.
Book Info
- Release Date: June 1, 2021
- Series: Lowcountry Brides #1
- Narrator: Carmen Jewel Jones
- Audio Length: 8 hours, 50 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
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(Thanks to HarperAudio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
Fab review Jo it must have be good if it’s enticed you to carry on with the series!
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Thanks, Nicki💜 I’ve one more to go!
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A new series…how fun!
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This does sound interesting and I appreciate that touches of realism,too, with the reference to the impact of the church massacre and even the main character having sickle cell anemia. I love the low country of SC and yes it does have a rich cultural mix of influences that you become immersed in immediately when you’re down there. Excellent review!
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Thank you, Tessa💜 I’ve only been to Charleston once and it was for work so I didn’t get a chance to experience much of the city. But! I felt the magic of it.
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Wonderful reviews, Jo. A great start to a new series that you are enjoying. I hope it continues to entertain you.
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Thank you, Carla💜 The setting is everything!
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