Previously Engaged by Elodia Strain

Genre: Chick Lit

Publication Date: January 2009

One Word Review: Enjoyable

Author Website: www.elodiastrain.com

First Line: “Apparently, weddings are breeding grounds for disaster.”

GoodReads Synopsis: Annabelle Pleasanton has just been given the chance of a lifetime: A $50,000 "Dream Wedding" sponsored by posh Monterey jeweler, John Wilfred. All she has to do is sign on the dotted line. The only problem? She's not technically, 100 percent, all-the-way engaged. Her best friend Carrie has seen the ring, and her boyfriend Isaac's been dropping all kinds of hints - but something seems to be keeping him from popping the question. Could it be that Isaac's family has someone else picked out for him - perfect-haired, former model Chloe Payne? Or the fact that Annabelle's on the cusp of a huge job promotion in Monterey while Isaac's talking about moving to LA? Or maybe it has something to do with Alex, the guy who broke Annabelle's heart seven years ago, who is suddenly back in the picture with his fancy house, fancy car, and an apparent fancy for Annabelle.

Kathy’s Review: As soon as I finished Icing on the Cake last week I jumped on the internet and ordered Previously Engaged. I was so excited when it arrived today and quickly curled up in my favorite reading spot eager to see what happens with Annabelle and Isaac in this installment. Annabelle is just the same: smart, caring, hardworking girl who tends to get in embarrassing situations. There were a few times I caught myself laughing and I admit I loved reading about Annabelle and her misadventures. I do really like Isaac; there are times where he just sweeps you off your feet! He can be very romantic and thoughtful. Other times…I wanted to smack him! I suppose that is the effect the author was going for, but really he drove me crazy at times. I also noticed (and I could be wrong), but it seems like in both books Annabelle ends up apologizing and Isaac ends up forgiving…I keep waiting for him to do some apologizing of his own. He makes some mistakes along the way, and doesn’t always stick up for Annabelle like I would like, but deep down you know that he really loves Annabelle. I guess I would have liked to hear him admit or acknowledge that he’s messed up along the way as well. ANYWAY, I’ll climb down from my soap box and end by saying that I really enjoyed this one, nearly as much as the first. It has the same warm-fuzzy feelings that the first book had and I really recommend it to anyone who likes fun romantic comedies. I look forward to seeing what Strain writes next!

Bookworm Rating: 4.4

Reading Order:
Book One: The Icing on the Cake
Book Two: Previously Engaged