Finding a Love You Didn’t Think Was Possible
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Contemporary Romance
SERIES: Wedding Planners #4 (can be read as a standalone)
THE PREMISE: Recently promoted wedding planner Maggie Dashwood is devoted to many things in her life – her six year old daughter, Harper, her grandmother, who has raised her from a young age, and her job, which she is so very thankful to have. There isn’t really room or time in Maggie’s life for a relationship, and she hasn’t been the most eager to pursue one after Harper’s father left before she was born. But handsome, persistent, and patient Elliot Martin is hoping to change her mind…
MY THOUGHTS:
For any who are unfamiliar, The Wedding Planners series is a charming and entertaining contemporary series that takes place in Marysville, South Carolina. Each story in this series follows a specific wedding planner, features a swoon-worthy and engaging romance, highlights the beautiful and charming Southern small-town setting, and oftentimes incorporates some themes or parallels with various Jane Austen novels. Book One has some P&P vibes, Book Two some S&S connections, and Book Three echoes some Persuasion themes. However, He’s Always Been the One didn’t seem to have any strong connections or parallels to a specific Jane Austen novel – unless they were subtle ones and I missed them!
I was so happy to see this series continue with Maggie Dashwood and Elliot Martin (two characters that were introduced in previous novels of this series). I loved seeing some diversity represented in this book – Maggie is a BIPOC single mother, who lost her parents at a young age and lives with her grandmother. I admired her so much for her strong self-reliance, level-headedness, and her determination to build a happy life for her daughter all on her own. And Harper is as cute as button, she is completely endearing! I loved seeing a contemporary romance that features the relationships of a child with their parent and their parent’s significant other. The love and bonding featured in this tale is sure to warm your heart.
As always, I love entering this fictional world Ms. Diamond has created in Marysville, SC. I loved encountering all the characters that were previously introduced to us – seeing them on the periphery and witnessing some big moments in their lives. And I loved the new characters that were featured in this tale, my favorites being Gram (I loved her bluntness and active nature) and Giuseppe (the sweetest restaurant owner ever). While I did love Elliot and found him to be such a good and honorable guy (his exchanges with Harper are heart melting), I did wish for a little more depth with his character. He felt like a “picture of perfection” and I wouldn’t have minded seeing some flaws or more complexity with his character.
There were some surprising and intense developments that took place in the latter half of the book. I enjoyed how these events unfolded and witnessing the beautiful and unconditional support of family and community. Ms. Diamond always finds a way to skillfully imbue some serious and/or painful subjects into her stories. I love how she portrays these situations with such realism and sensitivity.
He’s Always Been the One takes readers back to the charming world of Marysville and delivers a heartwarming tale of finding love, happiness, and belonging when you didn’t think it was possible. I adore this series and highly recommend it to any readers who are looking to escape into some captivating and diverting contemporary romances!
NOTE: Since there are a few romantic intimates scenes and uses of strong language, I’d recommend this book for Mature Audiences.
~~~
The Wedding Planners Series
Book 1 – It’s Always Been You I My Review (currently on S A L E for 💲0️⃣.9️⃣9️⃣❗️)
Book 2 – It’s Always Been Us I My Review
Book 3 – It’s Always Been You and Me I My Review
This is probably my fave of the Wedding Planners books, so I’m glad you liked it, Meredith. It’s cool that Leslie chose to use a BIPOC lead in such a whitewashed JAFF world. More authors should consider this because there are many readers of colour out there, and all readers enjoy diversity in their reading. I too loved Harper, and Elliot was the guy you’d want to cling to when things went sideways, which works with the classic L.L. Diamond angst.
I can hardly wait until Agony and Hope comes out and we have some new L.L. Diamond angst to adore!
That’s wonderful, Suzan! I so agree – I appreciate that it felt natural and genuine. Very true about Elliot.
You and me both!!
I love this whole series, so much so that I reread the first three before reading this one. In fact I’ve reread the preceding books as each new one appeared. I normally concentrate on Darcy and Elizabeth books but the first one was close enough to my mind and I loved these characters so much that I just had to continue. I must agree Meredith that for anyone who loves moderns, these are a definite must read!
That is so great, Glynis! I will definitely do that myself. I’m so proud of you for branching out and reading all the books in this series. They are all gems!
I read and enjoyed all the stories in this series.
So happy to hear it, Sheila!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it, Meredith! I really didn’t have as much of an Austen connection with this one. The story was more my own fit in the world I started with some Austen and inspiration as a girl who was raised in the south. When I hit the last chapter of Charlie and Jensen’s story, I just really wanted to write Maggie a happy ever after. Elliot had mentioned he had a thing for someone, so it worked out perfectly. Thanks so much for reading!
I appreciate you confirming that, Leslie. I kept thinking to myself how embarrassing it would be if you had an Austen connection and I was too obtuse to see it!!
I really am so glad you decided to tell Maggie’s story! This is a series I just keep hoping continues on and on!
sounds like a good one.
d
I definitely recommend the whole series!
Thanks for this review, Meredith. I’ve been meaning to read this series for a while; it looks like so much fun!
It would make a great series to enjoy during the summer, in my opinion! Although, be warned it will make you want to come to the Carolinas!