Four Steps to the Altar [Mass Market Paperback]

Jean Stone (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 25, 2006

They say true love is priceless, but is it worth fifty million dollars? With Second Chances, their wedding planning business, starting to take off, four best friends must decide whether they’ll take some second chances of their own. Free-spirited Lily finds herself forced to choose between her sure-thing inheritance and a chance at true love; the no-longer-predictable Elaine surprises everyone–including herself–when romance comes calling from her past; Sarah, the uncompromisingly unconventional artist, finds herself contemplating the most unexpected choice of all; and the always-clear-eyed Jo suddenly finds herself second-guessing her own second chance at happily-ever-after. The choice for each of them is “I do” or “I don’t,” and the decision will change their lives.

Breakups, makeups, and romance at every turn–life always offers up its best surprises to those who leave themselves open to the possibility of second chances.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Stone continues her Second Chances series, chronicling four 40-something pals whose unique wedding planning business targets second-marriage brides, with this innocuous fourth installment. This time around, the spotlight falls on shallow but well-meaning Lily Beckwith as she deals with the possibility of marriage to her boyfriend, Frank Forbes. Romantic to the core but pragmatic to a fault, Lily wants to accept Frank's proposal only if she can hang on to late husband Reginald's $50 million estate. Unfortunately, her spinster ex-sister-in-law, Antonia Beckwith, controls the family fortune. Meanwhile, the other three pals deal with their own issues: Jo is trying too hard to be the perfect stepmother to hubby Andrew's 12-year-old daughter; Elaine is afraid of losing her newfound independence by marrying Martin; and Sarah still keeps boyfriend Sutter at arm's length. Stone's latest will please her fans, but newcomers may find themselves treading water to stay afloat in the nearly stagnant plot. (July)
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About the Author

JEAN STONE ran her own award-winning advertising agency for fifteen years before becoming a full-time writer.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (July 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553588532
• ISBN-13: 978-0553588538
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.8 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,110,068 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > Women's Fiction > Friendship

More About the Author

Jean Stone writes about the dynamics of friendships between women - the good, the bad, and the tastefully unfortunate. She also writes under the name Abby Drake. Check out her Website: http://www.jeanstone.com for details, updates, and a fun video about her latest book, PERFECT LITTLE LADIES.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars four steps to the alter, November 6, 2011

By 

bettereads - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Four Steps to the Altar (Mass Market Paperback)

The book was very good and in good condition. This was the 4th in the series. I have read each book in order and enjoyed all of them.

3.0 out of 5 stars Almost Happy, July 29, 2010

By 

JDupuis - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Four Steps to the Altar (Hardcover)

The book is in excellent condition. It was described correctly on the website. Unfortunately, communication with the buyer is not easy. If you do order from this store, beware because all communication is generated through the buyer, not the seller.

4.0 out of 5 stars fine Second Chance contemporary tale, July 25, 2006

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Four Steps to the Altar (Mass Market Paperback)

Fortyish Lily Beckwith of Second Chance Wedding planners is considering marrying her boyfriend, Frank Forbes, but has a stipulation that she must not lose control of her late husband's fifty million dollar estate. However, any romantic endeavor like saying I do might mean her adversary, her ex-sister-in-law Antonia Beckwith, who controls much of the family fortune, could gain total access.

The other three partners are dealing with family issues too. Jo wants to be a great stepmother to her new spouse's twelve years old daughter, but her actions drive her husband to despair and his offspring to scorn. Elaine wants to marry her beau, but fears holy matrimony means the loss of her recently gained highly prized independence. Finally Sarah keeps an emotional distance from her boyfriend who wants more.

The fourth Second Chance contemporary tale is a well written story that continues the saga of four friends and partners. The recurring characters seem real and remain consistent so that those who have read the previous three novels will enjoy this entry though some of the euphoria of especially the first novel (see ONCE UPON A BRIDE) is diminished. New fans will be better off starting with the previous tales to learn more about the stars.

Harriet Klausner