All Dressed Up in Love by Ruth Logan Herne
Zondervan Publishing, Feb. 2015
This was such a sweet read! I completed it in an evening. The setting is Elena's Bridal shop in Old City Philadelphia. (BTW, I have an upcoming release set partially in colonial Philly!) Tara Simonetti strides into the store and takes attorney Greg Elizondo by surprise when she proposes to work in the shop. She's an answer to prayer, but he doesn't understand that at first! His mother has owned the exclusive Elena's Bridal for decades but when his mother passes away he realizes the store hasn't been keeping up with changes in the industry in order to keep competitive.
The bibliotherapy element I got out of this novella was how to face up to the fact that God has other plans for your life even when you think you've invested too much time and money to change. In this case, the heroine is a third year law student but clearly is best-suited for running a bridal shop. Lucky for her, the hero owns one. He has to realize that his plans for a big city job in NYC might not be best. But will they realize these things in time? Do they really have a chance together?
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And here is the link to Ruthy's website: ruthloganherne.com
GIVEAWAY: An ebook copy of this darling novella to one of our commenters. We'll be giving away two of Ruthy's books this week and Ruthy will be giving away one, too!
Praying for your surgery this morning, CARRIE, and for a quick recovery! Thank you for the glowing review of Ruth's book. This cover is so lovely!!
ReplyDeleteThe cover is beautiful and unusual, isn't it, Diana!! PTL, the surgery went well for Carrie!!
DeleteCarrie, so glad to hear the surgery went well. God bless you and may he keep you safe, and growing in health each and every day. Thank you for all you do for others... for promoting great Christian fiction and for promoting authors. I know it's a timely endeavor and your kindness isn't un-noticed!
DeleteAll things bridal, makes me think of Amber's upcoming wedding! The review was really great. Now I'm anxious to read it!
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for a great outcome on your surgery! Hugs!!
Thank you on behalf of Carrie, REGINA! Blessings!
DeleteWhen is Amber's wedding, Regina??
DeleteStill praying for Carrie. I love this review especially that it is a "sweet' read and set in Old Philadelphia. I looks like a wonderful book and I love the cover! Sr. Mary Lou K
ReplyDeleteflowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for your prayers for Carrie, Sr. Mary Lou!! Old Philadelphia is full of wondrous history and glorious sights to visit, isn't it?? I, too, love that cover - and the beautiful dress!!
DeleteI got to know Old City when my boys were in college in Philadelphia. First one went to run for Penn, then four years later, his younger brother followed him. I love going to Philly... My spring trips were so fun because it was like we were chasing spring! Cold, leafless, and gray turned into daffodils, buds and leaves the closer we got to Philly in March and April! So our trips to Penn Relays were a renewal!
DeleteI dragged my younger kids all over Independence Park and Old City and Valley Forge. Loved it! So by the time I started writing historicals two years ago, I was the only one surprised. My kids thought it was way overdue!
Sometime I'll tell you the story of the clueless mother (me) who went wandering through Fairmount Park with her teen-age daughter (Beth, now one of my editors) with a serial killer on the loose. That's what happens when you don't bother turning on the news!
Great review, Carrie - thank you!!
ReplyDelete"All Dressed Up in Love" sounds like such a sweet story, the cover is beautiful!! I can relate to having one's life plans changed, however, if they aren't God's plans - they aren't the right plans!! He ALWAYS knows best and continually works things to our good!!
Praying for you, Carrie - so happy the surgery went well!! Hugs!!
Shared post!!
Thank you for this great review! I love Miss Ruthy's books! This one sounds like a dandy!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with Miss Carrie. Hope all goes well and a speedy recovery is ahead.
Thanks for your prayers/thoughts for Carrie, Melanie!! Ruthy has written numerous wonderful books, hasn't she!! Isn't that dress on "All Dressed Up in Love" beautiful??
DeleteSuch a lovely cover too.
ReplyDeleteSending best wishes.
I love the cover on "All Dressed Up in Love", also - Mary!! Thanks for your best wishes - I know Carrie and family appreciate the prayers, thoughts and best wishes from everyone. As do the rest of us here at OWG!!
DeleteThanks on behalf of Carrie, Mary! And yes, what an absolutely gorgeous cover that is!!
DeleteDidn't they do a great job? Zondervan did a dozen covers for this "Year of Weddings" series, and honestly, each one is charming. I love them. And they captured this beautifully so the reader can get her own image of Tara and Greg... while getting the feel of the bridal industry. Working at a bridal store "Bridal Hall" up here in Rochester New York was like getting paid to do the best research ever!
DeleteLovely review of such a sweet story!! God's plans are sure not our plans sometimes... Even though sometimes we think they are! But thankfully He always sorts us out!! :)
ReplyDeletePrayers have been said for your surgery Carrie, and I'll be praying for a speedy recovery too! Take it easy, gentle hugs and lotsa love!!
Ruthy has many sweet stories, doesn't she, Noela?? That optimistic spirit and faith in Him blending in them. So many years of turmoil caused by my plans; I'm so blessed that He had patience with, and cared for, me - those years I was finding my way back to Him and His plans!!
DeletePrayers for a quick and comfortable and quick healing for you Carrie. You have us all worried. What a cute and fun little book that would be enjoyable to read.
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of Carrie, thank you so much for your prayers, Deanne. Ruthy always writes the sweetest stories Deanne, I'm sure you'll enjoy this lovely story about brides and weddings, and of course love! :)
DeleteI love you guys so much. This whole experience (including me sending my stuff to the wrong e-mail so poor Carrie thought I DISSED her, but that's the joy of techno-goofy-me... I never noticed that it wasn't the same address in the "TO" box. Oops! Carrie's grace and charm was awesome when she came hunting for my interview... and we got a good laugh! The crew over here is marvelous and kindly and faith-filled. I love that. Your welcoming spirits shine in every post, review, comment. You've made my day, and I hope whoever wins this sweet story smiles their way through Tara's and Greg's romance because I honestly had way too much fun writing it!
ReplyDeleteWe have loved having you with us this week, RUTH! You are such a gracious and fun lady. And by golly, I still want to get ahold of your Christmas book -- even if I have to read it in mid-summer! lol Christmas in July! :) I know Carrie is sorry that she missed you, but I hope you will come back and visit with us again some time.
DeleteOh my stars, it's been my pleasure, and now I have to remember to stop by and annoy you guys on a more regular basis! How did I never stumble on you before???? I love this format and the beautiful, purposeful intentions. Lovely and poignant! Of course you were exceptionally NICE, so that's a crowd pleaser, right there!
ReplyDeleteAmen to Diana and Noela's comments, Ruthy!! Your comments and posts this week have been filled with joy, entertainment, encouragement, and faith - I've loved having you visit, and look forward to your return, whether just a comment, or a post.
DeleteYour comment about your clueless walk in Fairmount Park, with a killer "on the loose", is too reminiscent of my '80's interstate drive through the New Orleans area (with plans to tour it), with an impending hurricane. I was listening to music on my cassette player, instead of the weather report. Good thing my drive across the enormously long Lake Pontchartrain bridge was at night - I couldn't see those waves lapping against the bridge. The wind was so strong by then, I spent the night in my car in a truck-stop parking lot, after reaching the end of the bridge. When I returned across the bridge at daylight, the local news reported ships lost at sea and all schools closed. I started down a curving interstate exit ramp (to purchase film), found it flooded, and had to back all the way back up. Just another one of the numerous times God protected me during my adventures, many of which occurred while I was alone!! What a loving God!!
Beautiful, dreamy cover! A bridal shop is a great setting for the possibility of romance, I can't wait to read All Dressed Up in Love.
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
I've been enjoying this series and I love reading each book as they come out. I haven't gotten to this one yet, so I'm glad you liked it. I hope to read it soon.
ReplyDeleteTressa @ Wishful Endings
I enjoyed reading Ruth's All Dressed up in Love also!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a good review of Ruth's book. Sounds like a very interesting book Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMaxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <