The Wedding People by Alison Espach Narrated by Helen Laser Expected Publication Date: July 30, 2024
Smart, Honest and Hopeful
Forty-ish Phoebe Stone arriThe Wedding People by Alison Espach Narrated by Helen Laser Expected Publication Date: July 30, 2024
Smart, Honest and Hopeful
Forty-ish Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn and checks into the most expensive room for one night. She is wearing her green dress and gold heels, so she looks the part of a wedding guest-but she isn’t there to celebrate the start of a new life-she is there to END hers.
Infertility, Infidelity, Depression, Divorce and now the death of her beloved cat.
That is what has led to this tragic decision.
Meanwhile, the 28 year old bride, Lila has planned the PERFECT six day wedding, booking the entire Cornwall Inn for her “once in a lifetime” event. So it “just won’t do” that there has been a mix-up which allowed one random guest to check-in-even if it was just for the first night.
And, it’s definitely UNACCEPTABLE when she meets Phoebe and learns of her intent. NOBODY will ruin her wedding!
A chance encounter, an unlikely alliance, an unexpected friendship.
Sometimes vulnerable people make the WRONG decisions. But, if you are lucky-you can still end up with the RIGHT outcome.
This is the kind of book that you will still be thinking about long after you finish-Especially if you are a woman of a certain age-or a certain stage of your life. And, even, if like me, you hate “sex themed” bachelorette activities, and don’t really even enjoy weddings!
Of course, there are some of these things to endure in this book, and my personal preference is to read about this “well intentioned” pre-wedding fun without resorting to the unnecessary use of the more vulgar sexual terms to drive your point home-the three “C” words. They didn’t seem to fit with the more reflective conversations that characterized the rest of this story. (- .5)
The ending wasn’t completely unexpected, though it is one that I hoped for, and the wisdom of the parting words shared between Phoebe and Lila, brought a tear to my eye, and is the reason I rounded up instead of down. I will remember the story.
I’m glad there wasn’t an epilogue and that the reader can envision what they think happens next…
4.5 stars ⭐️
I listened to the Audiobook, provided by MacMillan Audio through NetGalley, which was expertly narrated by Helen Laser who delivered a wide range of voices and accents to the diverse cast of characters! This has been optioned for film and I look forward to watching too.
When Zara, who was once the fifth member of the inseparable “GiMaking Assumptions Making Excuses Keeping Secrets
None of these things ever turn out well…
When Zara, who was once the fifth member of the inseparable “Girlfriends’ Club” resurfaces at a friend’s Funeral and drops a “bombshell”, Naomi’s life implodes.
Zara’s revelation shocks the group and immediately, their daily “WhatsApp” group chat falls silent.
All of a sudden, Naomi finds herself sitting at home instead of sipping Strawberry Mojitos with the girls who she has met up with on every second Wednesday for years.
Old wounds have been opened and loyalties have been questioned- and Naomi will be forced to confront the truth about her past.
Can the Girlfriends’ Club survive “the Fall-out” or will Naomi, Rowan, Kate and Abbie all go their separate ways for good?
Sophie Ranald is a NEW author to me, so I had no idea when I downloaded this book that it was book FOUR in the “Girlfriend Club Series”-Naomi’s turn to star.
It had a rough start with some ICK factor conversations, and I had trouble keeping the women straight but had I started at the beginning they would have been “old friends” by now!
Still, after a few chapters, I got my bearings and I DO think the book works fine as a stand-alone, although by the end of it, I decided that I WANTED to go back to read the earlier books in this series.
P.S. I Hate You is Abbie’s story Santa, Please Bring Me a Boyfriend is Rowan’s and Not In a Million Years is Kate’s book
These are likable and relatable ladies living in London and Sophie Ranald writes stories to CELEBRATE FRIENDSHIP as well as to touch on the highs and lows of dating, marriage and parenting.
I don’t know if they all feature a “moral dilemma” but this one definitely does, adding substance to the story-and it’s the first book in awhile that I could not wait to get back to reading any chance that I got, because it felt so REAL.
I enjoyed my time spent with the “Girlfriend Club” and look forward to reconnecting with these ladies when I go back and read the earlier novels!
NAOMI’s story- “The Fall-Out”-is AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Storm Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. These are my candid thoughts!...more
“How do you know if you are in love?” Summer asks her neighbor Jules. “If you have to ask the question-YOU’RE NOTTW: Rape
Ooh! This was a great DEBUT!
“How do you know if you are in love?” Summer asks her neighbor Jules. “If you have to ask the question-YOU’RE NOT”.
Lorrie and Eden were neighbors and best friends who joked that perhaps one day they would become “actual family” instead of “found family” if their kids grew up and married. So, they were thrilled when Lorrie’s son, Knox did start dating Eden’s daughter, Summer.
Thrilled until Knox came home with scratches on his neck-and Summer ended up at the hospital-accusing him of RAPE.
NO means NO.
And, often the BEST of intentions-ends up with the WORST of results.
You may THINK that you have read this story before but trust me-you haven’t.
Caitlin Weaver has penned a story about relatable people who will feel like friends and neighbors you might have- and she will explore how this sexual assault affects everyone in each family from several POV’s while remaining sensitive to the VICTIM.
Lorrie and Eden were once two friends who leaned on one another for everything, but each must now do what they feel is best for their own child, despite what once seemed to be an unbreakable bond between the two women.
And, they will stop at nothing.
As the lines in the sand are drawn, friends and neighbors must decide which TRUTH to believe.
Gripping and thought provoking, this well written novel hooked me from page one-and I will definitely be watching for the author’s next book! It’s always exciting to discover a talented new writer!
The Full Moon Coffee Shop By Mai Mochizuki, Translated from the Japanese bestseller by Jesse Kirkwood
“In Japan, cats are a symbol of good luck. As the The Full Moon Coffee Shop By Mai Mochizuki, Translated from the Japanese bestseller by Jesse Kirkwood
“In Japan, cats are a symbol of good luck. As the myth goes, if you are kind to them, they’ll one day return the favor.”
And when there is a glittering full moon in Kyoto-a mysterious Coffee Shop may randomly appear.
It has no fixed location, and no fixed hours, and it is only open to “certain” young people who need a bit of guidance-those who have been kind to a feline in the past.
It’s also run by talking cats.
I loved the premise, and knowing that this was MAGICAL REALISM, I was open to the idea BUT when the cats appeared standing 2 meters tall and on their hind legs, wearing aprons and holding trays-it lost its appeal-the cats felt more like CARICATURES, than the beautiful enigmatic creatures that they are.
Also, our felines are serving up more than cakes, coffees and teas, providing wisdom about where their patrons lives have veered off course by interpreting their ASTROLOGICAL STAR CHARTS.
I wasn’t expecting that.
The book is divided into three small parts as the cafe is visited by a “down-on-her-luck” screenwriter, a romantically stuck movie director, a hopeful hairstylist and a technologically challenged website designer, who all have a connection to one another. It can easily be read in one sitting or one vignette at a time.
Wanting to read some Japanese literature this year, and loving cats, I downloaded three books with a similar premise. I preferred the first that I reviewed because the cats in that one, managed to bring about the desired outcome by just BEING the fascinating creatures that cats naturally are.
This might work better for readers intrigued by ASTROLOGY than for readers like myself who are true cat lovers.
2.75 rounded ⬆️
Expected Publication Date: August 20, 2024
Thank You to Ballantine Books for the gifted ARC. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review....more
Five Years Ago: When Bridget invited her best friend, Lucy Ashby- affectionately called Bee- to her childhood home on Prince Edward Island, (Canadian PFive Years Ago: When Bridget invited her best friend, Lucy Ashby- affectionately called Bee- to her childhood home on Prince Edward Island, (Canadian Province) she gave her three rules:
#1 Eat your weight in Oysters #2 Leave the city, behind and #3 DON’T fall in love with my brother, Wolf
“Spark. Fizz. Crackle”
Bridgett missed the flight, and Lucy has arrived on the Island alone with time to kill. She never imagined she would spend the night with Felix, the hot guy who was shucking oysters at the bar she stopped at-but their instant attraction was sizzling.
That would be the hot guy, she didn’t realize also went by the nickname, Wolf.
Time for new rules, this time set by Felix: #1 Don’t tell Bridget #2 No sleeping together again #3 Don’t fall in love with me
Life goes on, and although Lucy returns to PEI (Prince Edward Island) each year, she is determined to keep her promise to Bridget-to NOT fall in love. After all, there is a good reason for that rule!!
“Tap, Tap, PAUSE Tap”
Though when Lucy hears a certain knock on her door, she doesn’t hesitate to answer.
NOW: Nine days before Bridget’s wedding
Bridget has missed her final wedding dress fitting and has called Lucy to PEI (Prince Edward Island) for an emergency visit home. Why has she flown there with no explanation and demanded that Lucy join her?!
Could the wedding be off?
Of course, Lucy rushes to her side, putting her own life on hold.
But it’s not the first time, over the past five years, that Lucy has done so- When will she finally brave enough to take her beloved late Aunt’s advice to “live her life for nobody but herself” ?
Bridget’s life is moving forward and her own seems stagnant-but Felix is urging her to DREAM BIG.
The book alternates between the PAST FIVE SUMMERS, with Lucy and Felix continuing to fight their attraction to one another to the PRESENT day timeline where the pair are trying to uncover the reason that Bridgett has run away from her fiancé.
This was a SPICY OPEN DOOR romance which transported me to yet another Island that I wouldn’t mind moving to!
Felix is a swoon worthy MMC who seemed “too good to be true”! Who wouldn’t want a hot guy who cooks, drinks tea and reads books?
And, Lucy is the kind of BFF that any girl would want.
There is some miscommunication in the story but this time it’s just between the two BFFs.
Carley Fortune has delivered yet another romance that is beach bag approved! ...more
Based on the ADORABLE book cover and title, I expected a light, funny ROM COM, but this is more of a “life story” with MANY touLooks can be deceiving…
Based on the ADORABLE book cover and title, I expected a light, funny ROM COM, but this is more of a “life story” with MANY touching, heartfelt moments, and more depth than I expected!
Told in 7️⃣ parts, Part 1️⃣ opens in 2013 with an invitation to a birthday party, and each subsequent section, opens with a jump in time, and a NEW invitation to another “life affirming” event, until we reach Part 7️⃣ in 2021.
Natalie is a struggling writer and Gabby’s best friend.
Rob is a rigid Academic, and the best friend of Angus.
The only thing they share is their love and devotion to their respective best friends-recently engaged!
JUST as they are about to walk down the aisle as “Maid of Honor” and “Best Man” at Angus and Gabby’s wedding, Natalie finds out that Rob gave her newly published novel, Apartment 2F, the dreaded 1️⃣ ⭐️ review on Goodreads!!
Her book was described as the millennial perspective of a young woman living in NY, during the aftereffects of the recession, wondering if her generation could still find true love, a fulfilling career, and financial stability.
Could that description be any less enticing?!
And YET, her average rating, after fifty three reviews was respectable 4.3 ⭐️ UNTIL the latest review brought it TUMBLING down!
Rob, thought the book had opened strong, but when he got to page 2️⃣ 8️⃣-he was so incensed by “something” she wrote-that he posted his one star review-explaining how her star rating had dipped so precipitously!
Natalie is hoping that once they get through the wedding, she will NEVER again have to see Rob, but FATE (or more accurately-their best friends) will force them to co-exist on many more occasions as they celebrate many happy milestones from housewarmings to christenings, and a few “not so happy” over the course of the next eight years.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of this book, which didn’t start out as quite as expected, but by the middle of Part 2️⃣-I was HOOKED after reading one of my FAVORITE “grand gestures” EVER!!
And, by the time I had finished, this “enemies to lovers” romance-I was completely and utterly CHARMED! ...more
Maddie and Alex are as close as two sisters can be.
Their father left them when they were young, and their Mother has recently passed away, so when MadMaddie and Alex are as close as two sisters can be.
Their father left them when they were young, and their Mother has recently passed away, so when Maddie suddenly cancels plans to celebrate Alex’s birthday with her, Alex BEGINS to worry.
And, then, when Maddie’s phone starts to repeatedly go straight to Voicemail, Alex becomes CERTAIN that something is wrong.
Alex follows her sister's footsteps to the seaside resort known as “The Hamptons”. Soon after arriving, she meets the Blackwell family, who offered Maddie a place to stay in their pool house.
But despite the beauty of Blackwell Manor, Alex senses malevolence in the air. The family claims that Maddie left voluntarily with plans to return to her life in New York City, but Alex isn’t buying their story.
Patriarch James, Matriarch Katherine, and their two children, Theo and Lily, all seem to be hiding what they know.
And, ANY of them might be behind Maddie’s disappearance.
They will offer up their pool house to Alex as well-Keep your friends close and your enemies closer?
As Alex follows the clues that local law enforcement seems keen to ignore, she will put herself in harm’s way, stopping at nothing to find her sister.…
The story unfolds from MULTIPLE POV’s with a few mystery chapters that take place from “The Wharf”.
I DID want to find out what happened to Maddie, but despite my curiosity I DIDN’T find this to be an “edge of your seat” type of thriller.
The pace was slowed by the background information from the sister’s childhood, and the present day narrative went in a direction I didn’t care for, making the story lose plausibility.
Maddie’s reason for choosing to go to The Hamptons was lost in the noise, and Alex’s relationship with Ben felt underdeveloped. I would have liked to have more focus on these two plot points.
Still, I rated the author’s debut novel, “The Guilty Husband” 5 stars, so although THIS story wasn’t a favorite, I will be eager to read what she pens next. The Guilty Husband: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Now available
Thank You to Bantam for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, I have offered a candid review....more
This is a SPICY DEBUT novel that was ORIGINAL and ENJOYABLE- BUT I would NOT call it swoon worthy!
Molly Marks writes Hollywood rom-coms for a living—dThis is a SPICY DEBUT novel that was ORIGINAL and ENJOYABLE- BUT I would NOT call it swoon worthy!
Molly Marks writes Hollywood rom-coms for a living—despite NOT believing in love. She KNOWS that romance is a genre with its own set of beats, though different from those of thrillers and detective novels. You start at the “meet cute” and END the story when things are finally going well. You NEVER continue on to the part where he cheats on her or the kids kill their sex life.
Seth Rubinstein believes in soulmates and “once in a lifetime” love, despite his job as one of Chicago’s most successful divorce attorneys. Over the last decade, he has tried to find “the one” often rushing into relationships in his zeal to find his “happily ever after”.
But so far, no one can compare to his high school girlfriend, Molly Marks-the first girl who broke his heart....more
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