Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  The Best of Times

SERIES: Queens Crescent

AUTHOR:  Kristian Parker

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  218 pages

RELEASE DATE:  December 15, 2024

BLURB:

Londoner Aron Wimpole has been taking a bite out of the Big Apple for the last two years. He’s enjoyed the taste but when his beloved grandmother, the formidable Beatrice Wimpole, summons him home to help plan her wedding to Professor Higgs, he quickly jumps on a plane for a two-week stay.

The pull of home is strong, making Aron wonder if he’s really committed to New York…and then Paul Higgs strolls back into his life. Aron can’t avoid him—they’re co-wedding planners and everything must run like clockwork. And besides, Aron’s determined to show Paul what he missed out on when he walked away from him two years ago. All Aron has to do is to keep control of his feelings.

One flaw in this plan is that handsome prizewinning photographer Paul seems more than willing to pick up where they left off. But Paul’s bravado masks deeper commitment fears. Ones that threaten to ruin both of their lives.

But Aron’s got to ignore all that and help deliver the wedding to end all weddings.

It’s going to be a hectic Christmas.

REVIEW:  

Well happy holidays to all of us!  This is a delightful story with the residents of Queens Crescent coming together for the nuptials of Mrs. Wimpole and Professor Higgs   This wedding has to be put together in a short amount of time and requires the services of wedding planners – Aron, who is Mrs. Wimpole’s grandson – and Paul, who is Professor Higg’s son.  Turns out these two had a thing during the pandemic and then Paul took off without so much as a goodbye, see ya later, etc.  Aron ran off to New York where he works for the New York Public Library.  He’s been in New York for a couple of years and he wouldn’t exactly say he’s happy, but he likes his job and he’s learned to navigate New York.  When he’s called home for the three week holiday period to plan and attend this wedding, his boss is none too thrilled.  Note:  This is totally realistic.  I’m lucky to get Christmas Day and New Year’s Day off here.  Too bad – he’s got the time and he’s taking it.  But that doesn’t stop his boss from calling him in London.  Note:  Also realistic.  I’ve never been to Europe – or any vacation really – without having to take my laptop and my work phone with me.

The one thing Aron is dreading is seeing Paul again.  They’ve literally had no contact since Paul took off.  Both are older and maybe wiser?  As yet to be seen.  Aron feels at the very least he’s owed an apology.  Not sure he’ll get one though.  Aron tries to avoid Paul as much as possible but it’s difficult with their wedding planning duties.  We get visits and help from the whole neighborhood – whether it’s attire, flowers, catering,  a party venue, wine selections, even entertainment!  There are pop-ups from pretty much everybody we’ve come to know and love in this little enclave.

As usual, the star of the show is Mrs. Wimpole.  She’s involved herself in everyone’s lives in this place.  She takes credit for a lot of the local couples getting together.  She also is the fiercest supporter of her grandson who has had his difficulties with his own mother who basically disowned him.  Surprisingly said mother now wants to meet with him.  Hmmmm.  Does he have the time and energy for that?  His father is playing middleman, but Aron isn’t sure he’s interested after so much rejection.  He also learns a lot from his grandmother as to why she is such a staunch ally,

Eventually Paul and Aron can’t keep their hands to themselves. They have a competitive streak that won’t let things just lie, so once they end up in bed together, well all bets are off.  They are trying to keep things hidden from the bride and groom, but they are less successful than they think

Much to his surprise, Aron has an unexpected turn on the job front.  When he shares this with Paul, Paul tells Aron that he’s going to be taking off again.  Needless to say Aron is unpleasantly blindsided since everything seems to be going so well.  Eventually Paul comes clean, but the damage is done and Aron realizes that he can’t trust this version of Paul.  If anything changes, well maybe there is a shot, but Paul is going to need to to some serious work on himself.

The wedding is a smashing success despite some last minute disasters.  Aron and Paul do a stellar job of making it a wedding to remember.  There are lots of good things that come out of this occasion and it might just be the start of something new for more than one couple

I have enjoyed this series a lot.  There are so many characters at this point, but they are all memorable and it didn’t take me long to get back in the groove with the partners in this neighborhood.  It was great to get Mrs. Wimpole’s backstory.  She really does care about all these young men and wants them to be living their best lives.  She loves her grandson and her new husband’s son and nothing would make her happier than for them to get out of their own say and figure out a future   Mrs. Wimpole generally gets what she wants.  There are some lovely holiday moments here and some humor and heart as well.  Paul’s got some pretty dark stuff in his past and it’s clear he’s got to work on dealing with those things.   Aron is not going to give his heart away to someone who will abuse it which is a smart decision   Not sure if there will be more stories or catch-ups in this world, but they would definitely be welcome.

RATING: 

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