Five Belles Too Many, by Debra H. Goldstein

Although this is the first book I've read in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed "Five Belles Too Many". Sarah Blair's mother, Maybelle, and her beau, George, are involved in a reality show with a prize of a dream wedding. Never mind they are basically senior citizens. Reality shows like variety and Maybelle and George provide a charming contrast to the younger couples involved. They are also realists and have no expectations of winning but thought it would be fun. Well, maybe for them.

For Sarah? Not so much. She was drafted to serve as chaperone for her mother during the week's filming and, as luck would have it, the show's contestants are being housed at her nemesis' B&B. Sarah and Jane are, to be simplistic, not friends. Sarah can't wait for the week to be over. She's expecting many things but she isn't expecting murder. Nor did she expect to find Jane standing over the victim with bloody hands.

I won't detail the plot as that can be easily found elsewhere, but will say that it moves right along and kept me guessing until the big reveal. In the process, we're given a sneak peek behind the scenes of how the reality show comes together. Let's just say, ratings are the ultimate goal. The odds are good not everyone will emerge happy.

The cameras are seemingly always going. What happens when someone varies from the plan? Why is one of the bride contestants' mother so invested in her daughter winning? How about the football player potential grooms? Are they rivals or friends? Are those cigars really as nasty and smelly as reported? What drove Cliff and Sarah apart? Is there any chance they'll find their way back together? If Jane didn't kill Alan, who did? What connects the other victims? What the heck does a dishwasher have to do with anything? Why are Flynn and Sam so willing to jump through hoops to keep the filming going after Alan's death? Would one of the contestants have done it? Heck, will there even be a wedding?

Nope, not telling. You're going to have to read the book to find out. As noted, you'll find out quite a bit about reality television, too, so buckle up. It's an intriguing, relatively quick read with characters you'll like, animal rescue advocates, great friendships, and, hmm, romance and weddings.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to be an extra, so to speak, at what should be the wedding of the year in Wheaton, Alabama. I enjoyed meeting everyone and hope to see more of Fluffy and RahRah as I catch up reading about Sarah's adventures.