I stumbled upon this book while browsing through my NetGalley shelf from a few years ago. Initially, I was misled by the cover, expecting a light, chick-lit read. However, it turned out to be a poignant story portraying the evolution and upheavals of friendship. The narrative revolves around Tennyson and Melanie, whose unbreakable bond is shattered when a long-concealed secret comes to light. Time goes by and the story takes an unexpected turn when Tennyson's son and Melanie's daughter fall in love, get engaged, and urgently need to plan a wedding. Amidst this, the question of whether it's possible to form a family with a former adversary looms large. Despite a few humorous moments and a positive underlying message, I found it challenging to fully immerse myself in this book.

This novel leans more towards women's fiction than contemporary romance, focusing primarily on the themes of female friendship and forgiveness. Melanie and Tennyson, childhood friends who drifted apart due to a significant falling out in their twenties, find themselves forced to confront their past when their children decide to marry. With Melanie now married to Tennyson's ex-boyfriend and old wounds reopened, they must navigate their complex emotions while planning the wedding and addressing lingering resentments. Meanwhile, Melanie is fighting to salvage her marriage, while Tennyson embarks on a new relationship following her third divorce.

The book tackles a multitude of themes, from friendship and forgiveness to the challenges of maintaining appearances and prioritizing personal well-being. It prompts readers to reflect on their own relationships and emotional struggles, touching on sensitive topics such as suicide, grief, and loss.

The portrayal of the two main characters is balanced, allowing readers to empathize with both sides of their conflict. However, some may find certain themes triggering.

Overall, while the novel offers thought-provoking insights and engaging storytelling, there were some aspects that prevented it from receiving a perfect rating. Nonetheless, it is a worthwhile read that prompts introspection and discussion. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.

I LOVED this book. It gave my bride wars vibes but from the view of the moms. It was such a great book!

I love Liz Talley books. I have read quite a few. They are just easy, fun, reads that just make me feel warm and fuzzy. This was no different. I loved the story line- and the banter back and forth between the old friends is just fantastic.

4 stars for me!

New to me author but definitely won't be last. Thoroughly enjoyed this story. Thanks Netgalley and to the publisher for letting me read this advance copy.

*review provided timely on goodreads*

With this title, cover, and premise, I went in with high expectations for a fun romp, and Liz Talley delivered. Set in Louisiana (home of the author), it is full of Southern charms. As a teen from the 80s, I also appreciated Teeny's and Melly's childhood references and related to some of their adult struggles--moreso to Melly's (middle-aged mother and soon-to-be empty-nester who's spent most of her life making other people happy). The author's signature humor shines, and while the over-the-top scenes you might expect (think about a cake-tasting gone awry) are fun, there is a lot of heartbreak lurking beneath the veneer these two women don to hide the truth from others and themselves. Each woman does horrible things to the other, as well as tender things, too. While I can admit I might not be willing to forgive Teeny for what she did (I've given this thought, and I just don't know), the author does a good job of convincing us that Melly has it in her. The fate of Melly's marriage ends as an open-question, but that seemed appropriate. I really enjoyed this story of old BFFs-turned-enemies being forced to reckon with their past as they face becoming in-laws, and think you will too.

This book was entertaining, but in the end, I didn't love it as much as I wanted to. The rivalry was not something i particularly enjoyed.

This is a do not finish for me, I was not captivated by the story, and could not continue. I think I prefer a different writing style.

What a great read! I laughed through several antics of childhood friends. Tennyson and Melanie, who ended up becoming enemies as they got older. Fast forward to them being in their 40's and finding out Tennyson's son is marrying Melanie's daughter. After all these years, can two childhood friends put the past behind them for the sake of their kids? Will Melanie ever be able to forgive Tennyson for what she did all thos years ago that destroyed Mel's family?
This author was new to me, but I'm definitely going to look into more books by her!

This is an amazing book of best friends who have a falling out, only to be brought back together 20-some years later by their kids who happen to fall in love. This book gave me so many feels!

This book was okay but not great. Had a lot of unnecessary drama that gets annoying, but maybe that was intentional.

Thank you NetGalley and the author for this book. It was okay..not great at all. I have seen better book with this storyline but I do see what they were trying to get at. It could be me for why I didn't like this book but I was not a DNF for me but it was a book that was not enjoyable either. The story was just not executed but I know what they author was going for. Thanks!!

DNF.
This book had too much unnecessary drama and negativity going on and the characters were childish, so I decided to not finish reading it.

The Wedding War is a great story filled with relatable and honest characters. I loved that the true colors of a scorned friendship are shown (hurt, anger, jealousy, etc.). The storyline is really fun and unique while still remaining relatable and charming. I loved that the focus was on Mel and Teeny since usually "wedding wars" focus on brides.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. An interesting novel by a new author in my personal reading-sphere! I am sure others would enjoy it too. Good character portrayls, descriptive setting and gripping plot.

Not at all the funny rom-com I thought this would be. This book is HEAVY. Tons of emotional topics. Suicide, eating disorders, family lies, affairs, you name it, it is in this book. Even though it was not the light book I wanted or thought it was, I was rooting for Teeny and Melly. They had issues and hard lives, but they were each other's other half. The book didn't need all of the hardships that the characters went through. But life is hard. I also wish there was more of Noah, he seemed to just have been thrown in there.

Working in weddings & events for years means I need to read ALL the titles with a hint of a wedding, and I loved the premise behind this one!

What I enjoyed most about this one was how the focus wasn’t on the romance of the engaged couple, but the friendship of the two moms, and how it impacted the entire story. A bit ridiculous and over the top at times, but somehow still a very realistic representation of the highs and lows friendship can have.

A new to me author, I would definitely consider picking up other Liz Talley title in the near future!

DNF

Talley's prior novel hit me in the right spot, but this one really did not. A focus on a toxic female relationship in a comedy isn't really what I wanted. But I hoped Talley could pull it off after she navigated complicated relationships in the prior book. Unfortunately, neither character really worked for me.