Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations by V. Joy Palmer

Seventeen years after being orphaned, Apryl Burns and her twin sister Courtney have their own expectations for life. While Courtney continues to shine at everything, Apryl holds fast to the mantra that as long as her potato chip stash remains intact, then she’ll be fine.

But when their beloved grandmother ends up injured and unable to manage her struggling antique store, Courtney makes it their mission to revamp the business and save what’s left of their family’s legacy. Despite rampant doubts in her abilities, Apryl finds herself trapped under the weight of family loyalty as they transition to a wedding venue decorating service. Soon she’s forced to ask (translation: blackmail) their grandmother’s renter/handyman, Chance McFarland, for help, an arrangement that is made even worse by the fact that Chance is her former (ahem, and current) crush.

Chance knows a few dozen things about family loyalty, which is why he begrudgingly agrees to Apryl’s insane plan. While Apryl claims they’re archenemies, the girl Chance only glimpsed in their teens starts to emerge, stealing what remains of his heart.

But expectations are a powerful thing. Amidst the glamorous weddings and swaying willows, can those old expectations be revised into something new?

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V. Joy Palmer is a new to me author.  That's always a bit scary but a bit exciting too, especially when it turns out well and this one did turn out well.

I do have to say that this book is high on sarcasm and snark.  And by high, I mean really high.  I'm a girl that finds humor in some sarcasm and this book had plenty of moments that made me smile but there came a point when I wished Apryl would tone it down a bit.  Apryl is definitely a girl who uses sarcasm and snark as a shield of deflection and protection.  Her internal struggles are deep and the voices that tell her she will never be good enough are loud and strong.  This both humanizes Apryl and makes her completely frustrating, especially in context to Chance.  When Apryl finally lets go and decides to believe in herself I felt such a sense of relief.

Chance.  I simply adored him.  I swear he has the deepest well of patience.  That boy keeps coming back, showing up and trying no matter how many times he is knocked down and dragged through the mud.  He's a saint.  Oh, and he can definitely hold his own in a verbal sparring match with Apryl.  Thank goodness.  Chance is the reason I remained so invested in this story.  I loved the way he picked himself up after every down by reminding himself what he believes and why.  He kept his heart soft.

For the most part, I enjoyed the journey of this story.  I was always invested in the outcome, wishing and hoping for the very best.  The ending was very satisfying.

Content:  kissing, strong Christian elements

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.