Vision in White (The Bride Quartet, Book 1)

Childhood friends, Emma, Laurel, Parker, and Mackensie operate a wedding planner company named Vows. Each has their own specialty: one creates beautiful wedding cakes, one arranges floral arrangements, one handles the books, and one is a photographer. Together they are able to unite people on their most joyous occasions. The first character we learn about is Mackensie. Mackensie is a renowned photographer and her works have been featured in some of the top magazines. Despite being an integral part of the wedding business, Mackensie, doesn't pursue a husband and doesn't see herself ever getting married. This lack of interest might be due, in part, to her mother, Linda. Linda has had numerous marriages and uses her daughter as a shoulder when things go wrong. All that changes with a chance meeting with Carter. Carter is the brother of a soon to be bride. Nora Roberts is a master at developing characters and it should be no surprise that Vision in White, follows the same formula. Her ability to blend emotions with the background settings is another of her amazing talents. The wedding business, Vows, almost feels like an additional character and the struggles each of the friends endure make this a novel not to be missed. It is fun, engaging, and flows like a gentle river.....I would also highly recommend JoAnna Wylde's novel: Price of Freedom --Price of Freedom my fav so far.

Fans of Nora Roberts over time discovery certain formulas to the writing. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I mean we are all after a HEA or we would pick up another type of book. What I absolutely loved about this book is what one reviewer disliked. It takes us back to her earlier romance trilogies formula like the Dream Trilogy. Empowered, tight knit friends who support each other like family and who have drive and ambition in their careers and an immense sense of loyalty to one another. So what if there is the lawyer older brother that is most likely going to end up with one of his sisters friends in the end. And again so what if said sister pops Tums like another character out of the Dream Trilogy; that foreshadows she may not be as smooth and together as she appears. I was not sure if I could just enjoy a romantic novel anymore (without all of the complex eccentricities of the paranormal genre or the suspense and intrigue that so many romance novels have now--where the heroine is always in danger or a mystery to be solved). I literally found myself welling up with tears at some of the more poignant moments in this book. It touched me. It also left me very happy and dare I say hopeful. I am glad that Nora is revisiting this particular formula. I am surprised that the ratings are so all over the place. I am looking forward to books# 2, 3 and 4. This is a quartet after all not a trilogy. If you liked some of her earlier work, I think you will enjoy this as well.

Like many long time Nora Roberts fans I really really wanted to love this book. Didn't happen.

The premise is an interesting one. Four friends live together in a large mansion that houses their business Vows which is a wedding planning company. Each friend serves a vital function in the company. In the first book Mackensie (Mac)the photographer is introduced. She falls for a nerdy professor who is the brother of one of the brides.
The book falls way short in almost all areas--romance, originality, plot and characters.

The characters were not that interesting nor was the plot. No tension, no reason to want to keep reading to see what was going to happen to Mac and Parker.

Lately it seems as though Ms. Roberts recycles her trilogy characters. There seems to be a strong one, artistic one, organized one, nerdy one etc. If you compare Vision in White to The Calhouns: Lilah and Professor Quartermain or the Three Sisters--Ripley and Mac or Black Rose--Rosalind and Mitch; these were books with a nerdy type male paired with a strong female (or a floaty one in Lilah's case). You cared about what happened to the couples because the plot was interesting, the characters were well fleshed out and there was a chemistry between them which satisfied the romantic component. In Vision in White, Mac and Parker never seem to gel so you don't really care if they fall in love.

I think Vision in White had great potential; unfortunately it fell short of the expectation of a good romantic read. I was also bothered by Ms. Roberts using some of her favorite phrases over and over. Love is like "A punch to the belly" (paraphrased) is one of her favorite ones. It might be time for her to reread her last 15 books or so and freshen up some of the language or phrases she uses over and over since many of her readers revisit her books over and over!

Inspite of this lukewarm review, I'm still looking forward to the other three books in the quartet. Basically I'm hoping Nora starts weaving some of her old magic with romance and character depth in the next three.

I am really surprised at the number of negative reviews for this book. I have been quite disappointed by Robert's last two series - I felt they were way too melodramatic and over the top ("We have to save the world from evil!!!!!"). I bought this on impulse because it was a Saturday and I was bored and I am really glad I spent the money.

The characters in this book are likeable and funny. Yes, I know Nora Roberts writes with a formula and it can get tedious at times, but the formula worked here. The relationships and situations were realistic and convincing. No, there was not a lot of "drama" or some major crisis that created conflict - but the low key approach worked here. This is a book I will pass on.

Gorgeous bridal gown, great photography, luxurious paper pages with exquisite edging, scalloped edges on the inside front cover -- one of the most beautiful books I've seen in recent memory.

Unfortunately, the cover perfection certainly did not translate to a story. This was a very disappointing and, to be honest, boring novel that was most surprising in the fact that it came from Nora Roberts. I had taken a break from her darker books and was looking forward to a lovely story about brides.

Mac and Carter had absolutely no chemistry. I've already forgotten what the story was, it was that dull. I asked my friend if she was sure that Nora Roberts wrote this because it didn't seem like her at all!

Too bad they didn't take the care with the actual story that they did with the cover.