Bouquet Toss by Melissa Brown
Published: September 4, 2012
Received: ebook for review from the author
Ever since Daphne Harper graduated from college, all of her friends have fallen in love, become engaged and walked down the aisle. Be it a blessing or a curse, Daphne (a hopeless romantic and perpetual single girl) catches the bouquet at every single wedding she attends.
Daphne’s love life is a mess. Her first love, Mayson, haunts her heart and keeps her from pursuing happiness with any man who comes along. As she struggles to move on from the one who got away, Daphne wonders if she will ever break her curse and find her happily ever after. [goodreads]
When I first read the summary for this book, I thought - wow, this is a story I can relate to. As someone who has caught a few wedding bouquets in her lifetime, I instantly felt a connection to Daphne's story. She's the young woman who everyone always has nice things to say about. From the outside it looks as though she has the complete package - so why isn't she the one tossing the wedding bouquet herself? Well, it's because her heart refuses to let her take that next step.
Daphne had, what some would call, a once in a lifetime romance. She and Mayson dated through out college and in her mind, made plans to walk down the aisle some day. Before she realized what was happening, Mayson made plans of his own - which didn't involve her. For several years she was left with a broken heart, unsure of how she'll ever move forward. Though she found comfort in her best friend and her cousin, the world around her seemed to continue on, but she felt stuck.
I connected with the beginning of this novel, and could really picture Daphne's life. I understood her past, and even though I was screaming at her to move on from Mayson and continue on with a new present - it still felt believable to me. When Mayson shows up unexpectedly one day, it literally turns her world upside down. Is he wanting a second chance? Is this Daphne's opportunity to finally get her happily ever after? I continued to hold out hope for her, but something was telling me this wasn't right. It just didn't feel meant to be.
The rest of the story takes a very emotional turn. One I was not quite expecting. A few drastic things occur, that in my opinion felt a little over the top at times, but somehow Melissa Brown made it work into the story. My focus was on discovering if Daphne would find peace and allow herself to truly be happy with the life she's created. I think we tend to get caught up in the fairy tale romances and assume that is the highest standard we all must achieve. But really, being content with who you are is what should be most important. The rest will fall into place as it's meant to.
Thank you Melissa Brown for sending me this copy for review.
I saw this book the other day on amazon and was thinking to read it! Glad you liked it so much and it's always easier when one can relate to the characters.
ReplyDeleteGreat!
ReplyDeleteOooh this book sounds great! Thanks for the review. This seems like the type of "chick lit" I'd be into.
ReplyDeleteOh wow. I like that this one sounds very different from most books I've read in the adult contemp world lately, and I especially want to read it to find out what happens to Daphne and Mayson. I think it's interesting, and clever, to take on the story of the girl who catches all the bouquets at weddings... but still hasn't gotten married, as superstition goes.
ReplyDeleteI read this earlier this month. Daphne aggrevated me with her attachment to Mayson. he wasn't even all that great, ( you know what I mean )
ReplyDeleteI agree, towards the end things get a little over the top. I enjoyed this book, though it will never be a favorite of me. Good for a debut. I hear she's writing another story following her friend. Ethan I think was his name. I'll for sure check it out.
great review! :o)