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agote's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
jenwilder's review
5.0
Really enjoyed this book. Such a light fun read for Christmas break. Fell in love with the characters and town easily. The only thing is if you really liked the book I’d suggest to skip the movie. Because it’s hallmark and having to be condensed they took a lot of the story out and it was not nearly as good :)
jazzrizz's review against another edition
5.0
What's not to love about Fool's Gold. It's always a pleasure to peek into this magical town and watch the next HEA unfold.
I've liked Madeline ever since she was introduced in the series. Seeing her serious movie star crush when Jonny first came totdown was a dead ringer that she was going to end up with him...Mayor Marsha is definitely playing matchmaker again.
I always enjoy books in this series, but the Christmas setting books always have a special place for me. The magic of Christmas time is like getting the corner piece of cake with the extra frosting.
I've liked Madeline ever since she was introduced in the series. Seeing her serious movie star crush when Jonny first came totdown was a dead ringer that she was going to end up with him...Mayor Marsha is definitely playing matchmaker again.
I always enjoy books in this series, but the Christmas setting books always have a special place for me. The magic of Christmas time is like getting the corner piece of cake with the extra frosting.
scoutmomskf's review
5.0
Mayor Marsha strikes again, bringing together two people who seem so different but are just right for each other. Madeline grew up in Fool's Gold and after several attempts, has finally found her niche. She is part owner of the local bridal shop, Paper Moon, and loves helping brides find the perfect dress. She hopes that someday she'll find that same happiness for herself. When Mayor Marsha comes to her and asks for help planning a wedding for the sister of a local resident, Madeline can't say no. But she panics a bit when she learns it's the sister of new resident and movie star Jonny Blaze - someone she's had a crush on for a while. She's not sure she can even breathe around him, much less plan a wedding.
Jonny moved to Fool's Gold to escape the craziness of Hollywood life. He just wants a chance to be the regular guy he was before his movie career. He finds it in Fool's Gold, where nobody makes a big fuss over him. He loves his sister, Ginger, and wants to give her the wedding of her dreams, so he gladly accepts Mayor Marsha's offer to find him help.
I loved seeing the relationship develop between them. It was fun to see Madeline start out with the somewhat starstruck feeling that she worked to hide, making sure she behaved professionally while inside she was having trouble believing it. She was a little surprised by the tingles she felt, making her think of her mom's stories of falling for her dad, but attributes them to star power. She's quite certain that someone like Jonny would never be interested in a small town girl anyway. As they worked together on Ginger's wedding, Madeline quickly got to know the man instead of the star. Jonny finds that Madeline is easy to talk to and easy to work with. She doesn't treat him any differently than anyone else, which makes it possible to relax in her company.
Over the weeks leading up to Ginger's wedding, they spend a lot of time together. A simmering attraction heats up, leaving both wondering where it's heading. Madeline doesn't believe that she's the type that would attract Jonny in any permanent way, and vows to just enjoy it while it lasts. Jonny has a couple issues holding him back. One is that nearly every time he has allowed himself to love, his mother, his father, a girl in high school, tragedy has struck. He holds himself back, even with his sister, because he is afraid of losing again. The other issue is his star status. He has seen what the limelight does to relationships and doesn't want to inflict that on Madeline. I loved seeing Jonny's protectiveness toward Madeline. His double date with her and her ex was beautiful, sweet and hilarious. I really liked how much they just enjoyed being together. I also loved those instances where Madeline had to rein in his tendency to go a little overboard, as they handled it with humor and maturity. Their reactions to their growing feelings for each other cause a few hiccups in their relationship, but actually talking things through makes a huge difference.
A huge part of their relationship is, of course, where it takes place. Jonny had come to Fool's Gold to get away from the Hollywood hype, but is sometimes surprised by just how normally he is treated. I loved the scene with his car, and the mayor and her request about the ballet narration. It was also great to see how the town has his back when it comes to protecting him from tourists. There's a terrific scene where Gladys rescues him from a woman who thinks she recognizes him. Of course, Gladys and Eddie have their own moments of hilarity, made even better by Jonny's willing participation. Madeline's family also plays a part in his assimilation into the community. Fool's Gold itself also has its effect on Jonny. He quickly feels a part of the community, which leads him into greater participation. I loved his participation in the toy drive and the story behind it. The most heartmelting part, though, was his help with the Pet Adoption event, and what resulted from it. Just that would have cemented him in my heart, as it does with Madeline. I loved catching up with other residents of the town, and enjoyed the surprises that were thrown into the mix.
Jonny moved to Fool's Gold to escape the craziness of Hollywood life. He just wants a chance to be the regular guy he was before his movie career. He finds it in Fool's Gold, where nobody makes a big fuss over him. He loves his sister, Ginger, and wants to give her the wedding of her dreams, so he gladly accepts Mayor Marsha's offer to find him help.
I loved seeing the relationship develop between them. It was fun to see Madeline start out with the somewhat starstruck feeling that she worked to hide, making sure she behaved professionally while inside she was having trouble believing it. She was a little surprised by the tingles she felt, making her think of her mom's stories of falling for her dad, but attributes them to star power. She's quite certain that someone like Jonny would never be interested in a small town girl anyway. As they worked together on Ginger's wedding, Madeline quickly got to know the man instead of the star. Jonny finds that Madeline is easy to talk to and easy to work with. She doesn't treat him any differently than anyone else, which makes it possible to relax in her company.
Over the weeks leading up to Ginger's wedding, they spend a lot of time together. A simmering attraction heats up, leaving both wondering where it's heading. Madeline doesn't believe that she's the type that would attract Jonny in any permanent way, and vows to just enjoy it while it lasts. Jonny has a couple issues holding him back. One is that nearly every time he has allowed himself to love, his mother, his father, a girl in high school, tragedy has struck. He holds himself back, even with his sister, because he is afraid of losing again. The other issue is his star status. He has seen what the limelight does to relationships and doesn't want to inflict that on Madeline. I loved seeing Jonny's protectiveness toward Madeline. His double date with her and her ex was beautiful, sweet and hilarious. I really liked how much they just enjoyed being together. I also loved those instances where Madeline had to rein in his tendency to go a little overboard, as they handled it with humor and maturity. Their reactions to their growing feelings for each other cause a few hiccups in their relationship, but actually talking things through makes a huge difference.
A huge part of their relationship is, of course, where it takes place. Jonny had come to Fool's Gold to get away from the Hollywood hype, but is sometimes surprised by just how normally he is treated. I loved the scene with his car, and the mayor and her request about the ballet narration. It was also great to see how the town has his back when it comes to protecting him from tourists. There's a terrific scene where Gladys rescues him from a woman who thinks she recognizes him. Of course, Gladys and Eddie have their own moments of hilarity, made even better by Jonny's willing participation. Madeline's family also plays a part in his assimilation into the community. Fool's Gold itself also has its effect on Jonny. He quickly feels a part of the community, which leads him into greater participation. I loved his participation in the toy drive and the story behind it. The most heartmelting part, though, was his help with the Pet Adoption event, and what resulted from it. Just that would have cemented him in my heart, as it does with Madeline. I loved catching up with other residents of the town, and enjoyed the surprises that were thrown into the mix.
thisismenow's review
5.0
I love Christmas time at Fool's Gold, and Marry Me At Christmas was just the perfect book to shift my mood toward the holidays. Plus, the opening line of this book immediately put a smile on my face. Weddings and holidays are just a perfect match for a good read.
Madeline and Jonny were easy characters to like, and their interactions were so fun. They made me smile. I loved how they worked together to plan Ginger's wedding. Jonny was so over the top with his sister in such an endearing way. It's easy to see why Madeline fell for the man behind the acting.
This was a fun, easy read, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. As always, the glimpses of the characters from previous books were there, and it was great to see where many of them were at in life. I think this couple could easily be one of my favorites!
Madeline and Jonny were easy characters to like, and their interactions were so fun. They made me smile. I loved how they worked together to plan Ginger's wedding. Jonny was so over the top with his sister in such an endearing way. It's easy to see why Madeline fell for the man behind the acting.
This was a fun, easy read, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. As always, the glimpses of the characters from previous books were there, and it was great to see where many of them were at in life. I think this couple could easily be one of my favorites!
mrose21's review against another edition
3.0
Its sweet and the romance is nice but not earth shattering...
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Marry Me at Christmas by Susan Mallery is a delightfully upbeat and charming holiday romance between a small town business owner and a popular movie star. It is also the nineteenth installment in the wildly popular Fool's Gold series but it can be read as a standalone (but I HIGHLY recommend all of the books in this fabulous series).
Bridal shop owner Madeline Krug has made no secret she is harboring a huge crush on Jonny Blaze, a popular action movie actor. When Mayor Marsha asks her to help him plan his sister's wedding, like everyone else in Fool's Gold, she finds it impossible to say no. At first star struck and nervous around Jonny, Madeline is surprised by how well the two work together. As she slowly gets to know and fully appreciate the man behind the famous face, her crush fades away only to be replaced by genuine feelings. Their friendship slowly gives way to romance, but Madeline cannot help but wonder how long their relationship will last once Jonny returns to the glitz and glamour of his acting career.
Madeline struggled to find her way but she loves her career as a bridal shop owner. She has an uncanny knack for picking the perfect dress for brides to be and she is eager to take a more active role in the business. Although she does not know anything about planning a wedding, Madeline is quite enthusiastic about helping Jonny plan his sister Ginger's wedding. She and Jonny have a comfortable working relationship but it is not until he steps in to help her out with her snarky ex that their relationship takes a much more personal turn.
Jonny is surprisingly down to earth and he moved to Fool's Gold to escape the limelight and paparazzi. Hoping to live an ordinary, simple life, he is continually taken off guard when the townspeople treat him the same as anyone else. Jonny has a bit of a tragic past and he finds it difficult to talk about his feelings so he demonstrates his love with extravagant but well-meaning gestures that are sometimes a little over the top. Luckily, Madeline gently reins him in and provides Ginger with the small, intimate ceremony she and her fiancé desire.
The relationship between Jonny and Madeline is low-key and builds slowly over the course of the novel. Jonny is drawn to Madeline and although he tries to keep his distance from her, he cannot seem to make himself stay away from her. Madeline never balks at spending time with him, but she cannot help but wonder how long his attraction to her will last since, in her mind, she is just an ordinary person. Their romance is very sweet with very little conflict but when trouble does arise between them, it is resolved quickly and without drama.
With an endearing cast of quirky characters, a sigh worthy hero and a lovable heroine, Susan Mallery's Marry Me at Christmas is another enchanting addition to the Fool's Gold series. This absolutely heartfelt and entertaining love story will leave readers with a smile on their face as they revisit old friends and meet new ones during this latest stop in Fool's Gold.
Marry Me at Christmas by Susan Mallery is a delightfully upbeat and charming holiday romance between a small town business owner and a popular movie star. It is also the nineteenth installment in the wildly popular Fool's Gold series but it can be read as a standalone (but I HIGHLY recommend all of the books in this fabulous series).
Bridal shop owner Madeline Krug has made no secret she is harboring a huge crush on Jonny Blaze, a popular action movie actor. When Mayor Marsha asks her to help him plan his sister's wedding, like everyone else in Fool's Gold, she finds it impossible to say no. At first star struck and nervous around Jonny, Madeline is surprised by how well the two work together. As she slowly gets to know and fully appreciate the man behind the famous face, her crush fades away only to be replaced by genuine feelings. Their friendship slowly gives way to romance, but Madeline cannot help but wonder how long their relationship will last once Jonny returns to the glitz and glamour of his acting career.
Madeline struggled to find her way but she loves her career as a bridal shop owner. She has an uncanny knack for picking the perfect dress for brides to be and she is eager to take a more active role in the business. Although she does not know anything about planning a wedding, Madeline is quite enthusiastic about helping Jonny plan his sister Ginger's wedding. She and Jonny have a comfortable working relationship but it is not until he steps in to help her out with her snarky ex that their relationship takes a much more personal turn.
Jonny is surprisingly down to earth and he moved to Fool's Gold to escape the limelight and paparazzi. Hoping to live an ordinary, simple life, he is continually taken off guard when the townspeople treat him the same as anyone else. Jonny has a bit of a tragic past and he finds it difficult to talk about his feelings so he demonstrates his love with extravagant but well-meaning gestures that are sometimes a little over the top. Luckily, Madeline gently reins him in and provides Ginger with the small, intimate ceremony she and her fiancé desire.
The relationship between Jonny and Madeline is low-key and builds slowly over the course of the novel. Jonny is drawn to Madeline and although he tries to keep his distance from her, he cannot seem to make himself stay away from her. Madeline never balks at spending time with him, but she cannot help but wonder how long his attraction to her will last since, in her mind, she is just an ordinary person. Their romance is very sweet with very little conflict but when trouble does arise between them, it is resolved quickly and without drama.
With an endearing cast of quirky characters, a sigh worthy hero and a lovable heroine, Susan Mallery's Marry Me at Christmas is another enchanting addition to the Fool's Gold series. This absolutely heartfelt and entertaining love story will leave readers with a smile on their face as they revisit old friends and meet new ones during this latest stop in Fool's Gold.
xxsaka's review against another edition
2.0
Ach I don't know... irgendwie war es nicht das, was ich mir erhofft habe.
Ja, es war Weihnachtskitsch in einer süßen Kleinstadt, so wie erwartet und das war auch echt nett.
Nur das ganze unnötige Hin und Her zwischen Jonny und Madeline hat sich so künstlich aufgebauscht angefühlt. Im Endeffekt ist gar nicht wirklich was passiert, sie haben sich sofort voneinander angezogen gefühlt, sind zusammengekommen und sich am Ende verlobt. Bis auf ihre ständigen - und auf Dauer echt nervigen - Selbstzweifel ist die Geschichte einfach so vor sich hingeplätschert.
Wirklich, zwischendurch hab ich nur noch die Augen verdreht. Wie oft sagt Jonny ihr, dass er sie will und dann stößt er sie wieder weg, weil er ja angeblich so verletzt ist und nie wieder lieben kann? Mann, entscheid dich mal und sende nicht dauernd so widersprüchliche Signale. Ich wäre an Madelines Stelle auch verwirrt. Trotzdem hat sie mich wahnsinnig gemacht mit ihrem ständigen "Er kann ja nicht wirklich an mir interessiert sein / Ich bin nur ein Kleinstadtmädchen / niemals würde er wirklich mit mir zusammen sein wollen" - selbst dann noch, als sie schon längt zusammen waren. Why?! Und dann dieser künstliche Konflikt kurz vor Ende, als sie nochmal für gefühlt eine halbe Seite getrennt sind, weil beide ja so große Angst haben...
Was mich außerdem genervt hat, waren die tausend Nebenfiguren. Vielleicht liegt es daran, dass das Band 19 einer Reihe war und man die meisten anderen Figuren schon aus den vorherigen Büchern kennt, aber ich kannte sie nicht. Und wenn dann so viel mit den Namen der ganzen Freundinnen und Bekannten von Madeline um sich geschmissen wird, hab ich irgendwann aufgehört zu versuchen, mir zu merken, wer wer ist und was die so machen.
Naja, insgesamt einfach nicht ganz das, was ich mir erwartet hab, aber ganz nett.
Ja, es war Weihnachtskitsch in einer süßen Kleinstadt, so wie erwartet und das war auch echt nett.
Nur das ganze unnötige Hin und Her zwischen Jonny und Madeline hat sich so künstlich aufgebauscht angefühlt. Im Endeffekt ist gar nicht wirklich was passiert, sie haben sich sofort voneinander angezogen gefühlt, sind zusammengekommen und sich am Ende verlobt. Bis auf ihre ständigen - und auf Dauer echt nervigen - Selbstzweifel ist die Geschichte einfach so vor sich hingeplätschert.
Wirklich, zwischendurch hab ich nur noch die Augen verdreht. Wie oft sagt Jonny ihr, dass er sie will und dann stößt er sie wieder weg, weil er ja angeblich so verletzt ist und nie wieder lieben kann? Mann, entscheid dich mal und sende nicht dauernd so widersprüchliche Signale. Ich wäre an Madelines Stelle auch verwirrt. Trotzdem hat sie mich wahnsinnig gemacht mit ihrem ständigen "Er kann ja nicht wirklich an mir interessiert sein / Ich bin nur ein Kleinstadtmädchen / niemals würde er wirklich mit mir zusammen sein wollen" - selbst dann noch, als sie schon längt zusammen waren. Why?! Und dann dieser künstliche Konflikt kurz vor Ende, als sie nochmal für gefühlt eine halbe Seite getrennt sind, weil beide ja so große Angst haben...
Was mich außerdem genervt hat, waren die tausend Nebenfiguren. Vielleicht liegt es daran, dass das Band 19 einer Reihe war und man die meisten anderen Figuren schon aus den vorherigen Büchern kennt, aber ich kannte sie nicht. Und wenn dann so viel mit den Namen der ganzen Freundinnen und Bekannten von Madeline um sich geschmissen wird, hab ich irgendwann aufgehört zu versuchen, mir zu merken, wer wer ist und was die so machen.
Naja, insgesamt einfach nicht ganz das, was ich mir erwartet hab, aber ganz nett.
alinaborger's review
Sweet Fools Gold story...all warm with no real worries, just the falling in love story. :)