Review of "A December Bride" by Denise Hunter

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review:  Because I have enjoyed many of Denise Hunter's books, I decided to begin the "A Year of Weddings Novella" series by reading her contribution to the twelve novellas collection, "A December Bride."  Novellas can sometimes be disappointing to read because they lack character development and depth, but "A December Bride"  examines the past of the two main characters Layla and Seth.   Both Layla and Seth have been hurt in the past and face their share of uncertainties and insecurities. Set in Chapel Springs, readers of Denise Hunter's "Barefoot Summer will remember Layla as the sister of Beckett O'Reilly.  Although her recent past is shared in "A December Bride," readers will have a more thorough understanding of her childhood and family background if they have read "Barefoot Summer."   When Layla finds herself "accidentally" engaged to Seth,  the scene is set for a light and sweet romantic novella.  While having to spend more time together by staging Seth's house during the Christmas season, Layla and Seth have the opportunity to confront a misunderstanding from their past and begin building a new relationship.   In many ways, it reads like a satisfying seasonal Hallmark movie.   

"A December Bride"  is a short, light-hearted read that is perfect for a winter day.  With authors like Denise Hunter, Rachel Hauck, and Meg Moseley, "A Year of Weddings Novellas" series offers a promising collection of short stories.  

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from BookSneeze. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Summary from Zondervan:  What started as a whim turned into an accidental---and very public---engagement. Can Layla and Seth keep up the façade in Chapel Springs this holiday season---for the sake of her career . . . and his heart?

Under normal circumstances, Seth Murphy - the best friend of Layla O’Reilly’s ex-fiancé - would be the last person she’d marry. But the news of their upcoming (and phony) nuptials convinces a big client that Layla may be high-society enough to work for his agency - a coup that would put her fledgling home-staging business on the map. Seth has secretly loved Layla for years, even when she was dating his best friend. Maybe she’ll never forgive him for the way he hurt her back then, but he has to try. And Layla is willing to keep up their engagement farce until she’s landed her client.

For Layla, it's the chance to save her career. But for Seth, it's his last chance to win her heart.