“Savor the Moment” is the third installment of Nora Roberts’ Bride Quartet.
The novel continues the series about four childhood friends — Mackenzie, Emma, Parker and Laurel — who have pooled their talents to found one of New England’s most successful wedding-planning companies, Vows.
Laurel McBane, Vows’ pastry chef, is surrounded by romance as she helps Mackenzie and Emma, as well as the couples served by Vows, plan the weddings of their dreams. In such a happily-ever-after environment, it’s not surprising that the torch she has secretly carried for years for Parker’s brother, Del, finally bursts into flames, prompting her to reveal she feels more than a platonic, brotherly love for him.
There are no surprises here. Roberts relies on smart dialogue, sharp characterizations and vivid descriptions of breathtaking weddings to captivate readers. The gowns, the flowers and Laurel’s sugar confections are all described in dreamy detail.
It almost feels as though Laurel’s story is just a place-saver in the series, except that Roberts drops in several teases to lay the groundwork for the series’ finale, which will be Parker’s story. The author does leave readers anticipating that November release.
This story of four females’ bond of friendship and their romantic adventures more than echoes themes from “Sex and the City,” especially when the foursome takes a vacation to the Hamptons, which was also a story arc in the HBO series.
Tuck this paperback in your beach bag. It’s a quick escape that’s as frothy as the wedding gowns worn by Vows’ brides. Anyone who loves a good Roberts romance will savor the moment.