When I requested this novel I wasn’t aware that it was a sequel.

Having not read the first book I don’t feel like I would gain anything from reading out of sequence.

Unfortunately I will not be reviewing and will take greater care with my future requests.

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. This is a great read full of engaging characters I can't wait to read more.

Hilarious yet deep. The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson has a wide range of characters who really push this novel into another dimension of reading. I loved the extremeness of the townsfolk and how they had misinterpretations for many things, the feud between Toft and Blackwell had a definite vibe that thrilled me and kept me reading. Meggy and Roy wanted to be the stars of the show and end the feuding between their families, but it was the quiet strength of Innis that brought everything full circle. I loved the symbolism of the scissors and how Wilkin offers an explanation at the end. Perfectly done. Humor is one of my love languages, and this novel brings everything it has to the mat.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

A quirky Ron com set in a quirky town with quirky characters. If quirky is your thing then this is for you!

This story is so much fun! I loved the variety of characters in it, as well as the message. Two thumbs up!

While this book was interesting, it fell a little flat for me.
It had all the makings of a fantastic book, feuding, mystery, and fun characters, I struggled to get into the story.
Roy's job was a bit unbelievable to me. He acted like nothing ever happened in the town, yet was arresting people for a variety of crimes all the time. Also, what police officer doesn't have something to defend himself with?
However, all that said, I really did enjoy Innis's perspective from the past. I found her to be a special and unique character.
All in all, this story was not spectacular but nice if you are looking for a quaint read full of small-town life.

Rating: 3/5
Language: n/a
Romance: some but not much
Spiritual: characters are Christians
Violence: murder mystery

*I received a copy of this novel from the author. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙:
✂️Quirky, Gilmore Girls-esque town and characters - I loved the characters we really got to know.
✂️Fun take on a Romeo and Juliet storyline!
✂️Just a nice, easy, fun read!
✂️I loved the ending - it was the perfect amount of unexpected, but neatly tied things up.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝘿𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚:
✂️The book felt kind of everywhere in some places and I struggled keeping track of which characters were part of which family, which was important to the storyline.

𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙄𝙛 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙:
✂️Gilmore Girls!

A whimsical romantic comedy centering on Roy Blackwell and Margarette Toft as they prepare for their impending nuptials during the most unpredictable time of the year, between feuding families, a town secret and the crazy happenings of the festival, what could possibly go wrong?

A delightful read, with a full cast of colorful characters that make the enchanting town of Coraloo come alive. I loved the comfortable chemistry between Roy and Margarette, and how they work together to overcome obstacles that threaten their union and unravel the mystery of Innis Wilkinson. This story drifts forward and back in time, as we learn the history of some of the long held prejudices and superstitions of the residents of Coraloo, in this backstory dependent storyline.

Overall, a fun-filled, light-hearted read about the things that we bring and leave behind going into a marriage. I loved getting to know the colorful members of the Coraloo township, both inside and outside the market. There are many hilarious mishaps along the way, and I admired how so many characters were comfortable being their our quirky selves. A sweet romantic comedy, whimsical, and fun!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

If I had to come up with just one word to best describe The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson, that word would without a doubt would be... charming!

I must admit this was one of those instances when I absolutely judged the book by it's cover... but honestly though... who could blame me? This cover was so unique and charming that I couldn't help but be drawn in. I quickly learned that that quirkiness that had drawn me to the book from the cover to start with carried on throughout the story as well.

In The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson, we are taken to the intriguing town of Coraloo where we are introduced to constable Roy Blackwell and schoolteacher Margarette Toft who've recently gotten engaged. The problem? Theirs is a Romeo and Juliet love with their families having such a long lasting feud no one really quite knows what started it all. Between the feud, their families, and the very odd traditions in their town, will they truly be able to pull it off? And how does the mysterious marriage of Innis Wilkinson figure into it all?

I love books about quirky little towns-- and have read MANY. But I must say, this one may be the quirkiest of all. The traditions and superstitions are larger than life, but you couldn't help but love each and every unique character introduced. I couldn't help but want to visit this fictional town just to take it all in and quite honestly, I wasn't ready to leave. This is just the kind of escape from reality that makes me fall in love with reading.

If you enjoy crazy little towns, family feuds and a bit of mystery, this is one book not to be missed! I loved it!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

A few pages into The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson I knew this book was unique, having a tone and feel that I haven't felt in a book in a very long time. There is something about the small town of Coraloo that has the words "quirky" and "charming" echoing through the pages. With feuding families, and long-time held traditions that make no sense whatsoever to an outsider, you feel like you're in a time warp instead of modern day, and feel lucky to catch a glimpse of this unconventional town.

The novel parallels two very different, yet strangely similar timelines. The first is the wedding planning of two lovebirds, Roy and Margarette, each from one of the feuding families, the Tofts and the Blackwells, that have hated each other for generations. So long, in fact, that no one can give a clear answer of why the hatred for the other is so strong! The just let the feud continue, and both Roy and Margarette hope that their union will bring about peace to the rivals. To make things even more ambitious they plan on having the wedding by the end of the month.

The second timeline is the life story of Innis Wilkinson, the illusive cleaning lady of Coraloo, who was also the old seamstresses daughter, a woman who had her own superstitions, and made Innis's life all the more compelling.

The majority of the story takes place during the annual festival that happens in Coraloo every May, a festival that also brings out all the crazies with it. I actually got lost in this zany world, loving the wedding aspect, the kooky details of the festival, the planning, and finding out the great mystery that shrouds both Innis Wilkerson, and her husband. I can't leave out all the unbelievable traditions! To enter into the Blackwell family you need to read an instruction manual first!

To say I was utterly charmed by this story is an understatement. Loving the uniqueness of the town and its inhabitants gave it a real feel, and yet at the same time it felt like a delusion. I caught myself several times bouncing back and forth with the idea of real or imaginary, with a goofy grin on my face, loving every moment of this fun read!

The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson is so refreshingly different from many of the tropes out there right now, which is why I think I enjoyed this book as much as I did! Well, that and who couldn't fall in love with such a uniquely special town and all its inhabitants! A amazingly unique read for sure, but one that with absolutely charm the pants off you!

In this comedic Romeo and Juliet style love story Margarette Toft is now engaged to Roy Blackwell. The families do not approve of this union and blame it on the Heaken Beaver Festival. Everyone goes a little coocoo during the month of activities that brings tourism to the small town of Coraloo. That must be the couple's problem. Margaret has four weeks to plan their wedding and cross off all the necessary traditions for both families. Roy has his hands full with the town shenanigans and a cold case involving Innis Wilkinson. There are similarities between Innis and Margaret that Roy can't ignore. He is determined to figure out what happened in 1976.

I adored the cast of characters! The charming residents of Coraloo, the feuding families, the mischievous 6th graders. I would love to be one of the others that came to visit so I could people watch. I would want to spend a weekend to shop at the Coraloo Flea Market, get my hair done at Sylvia's, partake in communion on Sunday morning, and experience all of the fun traditions of this small town.

I was invited to participate in The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson reviewer tour hosted by JustReadTours. I received a copy of this novel from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own, any review is voluntary.

The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson takes place in a quaint little town called Coraloo, and is chalk full of quirky, old-timey characters.
The story actually focused on the impending marriage of Roy Blackwell, the town constable and Margarette Toft, a Coraloo school teacher. Seems straightforward enough. Only…..
As far back as the beginning of Coraloo’s history, the Toft’s and the Blackwell’s have been enemies! The Toft’s are a high society clan who’s lives are run by superstition. The Blackwell’s are down to earth folks who live simple lives full of traditional acts.
Can these two lovebirds from opposing clans find their way to the altar? Or will their family’s superstitions, traditions and enemy mind-set get in the way? And just who is Innis Wilkinson and why is this book named after her and not Margarette?

The cover is so charming! It has that old-timey feel to it, is a beautiful red color and display’s an interesting item that you may think is out of place. It isn’t. But you have to read the story to hear more about that.
The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson reminds me a bit of a mash-up of The Gilmore Girls and Steel Magnolias, without all the sadness and tears.
The characters are really the star of this book. As the story unfolds and you learn more about different characters, you find out how they are connected and a bit about their history (in some cases) but there isn’t a significant amount of character development throughout this story, other than the MC’s.
The quirkiness of the characters and the comical events they get involved with may bring a chuckle or two along the way to the reader. This is really where the book had Gilmore Girls and Steel Magnolia vibes for me. Of course, there are also some heartwarming moments in the book as well. A bit of a mystery added in made me want to keep reading to see how everything was going to come together.
Overall this was a sweet, pleasant read for me. This is the 2nd book that takes place in the fictional town of Coraloo although this can be read as a stand-alone. A cute read for the cozy mystery crowd that would like to add some sweetness to their coffee!

"You have to get rid of the excess - the parts that are no longer needed - to expose the good. Sometimes we have a hard time letting go of the excess...the fear and the uncertainty. But if we allow ourselves to be trimmed - pruned, so to speak - we can grow."

This is the first book I have read by the author and I was totally captivated by the unique voice and storyline of this book. The author has received multiple accolades for her first book The Death of Mungo Blackwell so this piqued my interest in trying out this new-to-me author. Though the book is technically the second book in the series, it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. The writing is extremely clever and funny; the premise and plot are quite original and memorable, as are the characters. Reading the book was like slipping into a delightfully unique world where everything is done differently and seen through different sets of eyes.

The author's third person narrative voice in the past is reminiscent of the grandpa in The Princess Bride movie - lyrical, unhurried, and slowly and deliciously leading up to the climax of the story. Her third person narrative voice in the present (Margarette and Roy) is honest, riddled with doubt, but uplifted by hope and love. The century-old feud between the Tofts (Margarette) and the Blackwells (Roy) is ridiculous but eye-opening, the myriad of Toft superstitions is somewhat crazy, the elaborate Blackwell traditions are often sweet and sentimental but sometimes strange, and the way things are done in the tiny tourist town of Coraloo is mind-boggling but fascinating. I loved Margarette and Roy's loyalty and love for their respective families and their valiant effort to try to bring forth peace and unity between the feuding members. Getting to know Innis from the past and present was indeed enlightening and how the author weaves Innis into Margarette and Roy's present is truly ingenious. The wisdom in letting go of our fears and uncertainties and desire for others' approval whispers loudly in Margarette and Roy's ears, as it does to us.

This book will delight anyone looking for a unique read. I received a copy of the book from Lion Fiction via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Margarette Toft is a grade six teacher and is a Toft. That last name has marked her to have all Blackwells in the Coraloo as sworn enemies. She had been engaged before but felt that the union was not "the one." She is a meticulous woman who kept notebooks and plans for anything and everything. She could never prepare herself to become a Blackwell.

Roy Blackwell is Coraloo's town constable and, ironically, is a bit of a hypochondriac. (I blame the latter one on his grandmother's "The Complete Medical Handbook" that he casually reads on occasion. He scrutinizes each bodily ailment he comes into contact with.) He is a quiet man who keeps to himself and hardly muddles with the town's Blackwells vs. Tofts contentions. It is a surprise boyfriend/fiance of Margarette Toft!

Innis Imogen-Laken Toft is the only daughter of Isabelle Donadieu, an outsider who settled in Coraloo. She has an unusual past as a daughter of a well-known seamstress and was the "keeper of the scissors" based on a fortune teller then later wooed by a traveling actor. She later learned how to alter and hem from her mother but was only until later that she realized her gift a lot later in her life and after a life-changing event.

The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson is a slow-burn, self-realization, and the deeper meaning of a relationship kind of book. Its colorful and creative descriptions of the people and the town was a gift. The story flowed organically and seamlessly as the characters discover themselves. The story starts us off at the town's annual Heaken Beaver Festival, where readers will see the sliced personalities making up Coraloo. The festival is known to produce the "crazies" in people, but little did I know that there is something to this occurrence.

Basing on the title and first impression, I thought I got the book wrong! The only mention of Innis Wilkinson was in Chapter 1 and nothing else until further down the book. It puzzled me, but I kept reading the book until I finally understood Innis' role and why the author left her story later.

I enjoyed the historical journey of the town's inception, the founders, and the feud between the Blackwell and the Tofts. The stories were funny and cute. While some serious and sad, it was engaging to keep me reading. Coraloo's characters all had their "shortcoming," but in the end, they all made the town what it is - exciting and "rich in history."

The stories are the "stars" of this book - hidden, sad, embarrassing, sacred, and, at times, funny. The author is a great storyteller and was very detailed and thought in each character's focus that shaped Coraloo and its people.

Many charming flashbacks gave readers a better understanding and later connected the importance of Coraloo's history and tradition.
Although there are a lot of mini-stories in the book, I did not feel overwhelmed or confused. It is with these stories that I got to connect to the characters and the town. The random stories ranged from mystery wedding dressmaker, surprising wedding dress traditions, missing recipe, and cold case murders to the end of finding what's in Wilkson's big bag that he lugged around. It was all in the name of entertaining readers.

The author uses the past to help readers connect and understand how a simple tradition/superstition will affect even the youngest of minds. I am glad that Margarette, the teacher, is there to make sure it does not go overboard because some of the kids' re-interpretations were "out-there," especially on who did what that caused the feud. It was not all silly "misunderstandings" between townfolks that make up the book. In this sleepy town, who would have known an unsolved murder case that lands on Roy's lap.

A unique thing about the book is how Innis' story is juxtaposed with Margarette's. There were so many similarities both women went through, wherein both:-
1) are Tofts without knowing it,
2) experienced life outside of Coralee and traveled
3) followed their heart versus tradition with choosing their partners, etc.
With so many similarities, they seem to connect at a deeper level with each other's past and experiences than they realize.
Innis' story came as a cruel and sinister one. I felt she was robbed of her simplicity and innocence by a conniving man. Readers will relate and empathize as the trainwreck of deception unfolds. That experience may have beaten her, but not broken. I was in awe of her bravery in refocusing her efforts on herself.
Margarette's story was within her family - wherein her family members kept discouraging her from marrying Roy. It was a mash-up of snide side-comments to even blaming her for all the "bad luck" happening.
In the end, both went against their family tradition for someone who would fight, protect, and keep them safe, which is what a marriage is all about. The rest are just "trimmings" that can either be kept or cut away if in excess.

My most favorite part of the book was how Roy proposed! It is swoon-worthy not because it was lavishly staged but the opposite! It was the most subdued proposal ever, but it felt right for Roy and Margarette. It is what Margarette wanted.
**Swoon-worthy scene**

I found "interruptions" when Roy is trying to do his job of questioning suspects hilarious. It always comes at an awkward time and leaves Roy (and the readers) at a stand-still as we try to piece together the mystery. The suspects become elusive and disappear! Those moments are stellar, and I always grinned when it happened.

The story's mystery was solved (?) after so many years after the perpetrator has been long gone. Things are what they seem, and I would not have guessed the "killer" in the end. Roy did and after piecing together stories from each of the townspeople. I believe Roy is very deserving to be a constable, even if he does not believe it.

In summary, The Wedding of Marriage of Innis Wilkinson is engaging and enlightening work. There is a right balance of love, humor, and self-reflection to become the best version of ourselves to the world.
It was a compelling read with its colorful descriptions of the town and people. Roy and Margarette both found happiness with each other because that's what they choose to do - to trim the excess and let the beauty come out from within.
It makes readers:
(a) realize that the essential element in a relationship is the people inside the relationship, making everything bearable and braver in a world full of doubt and deceptions, and
(b) not everything is what it seems; nothing is just black and white. It could sometimes be grey and "purple and red."

I hope you get this book and let me know what you think!


Note: The reflective questions at the back of the book were a great treat to recall and relive the wonderful tale again and again. I was able to tackle a lot of the questions given.

Feuding Families Rejoice....
A charming and rather delightful tale of an age old dilemma with an entertaining narrative, well drawn characters and laced with gentle humour. Seemless storytelling. Enjoyable and heartwarming.

In a small town, Coraloo, you have feuding families and a yearly month long festival, what could go wrong. When a member of each of these families decide to get married battling wedding traditions start to pop up. Now you might think that this wedding is Innis' but it is not. Roy Blackwell, the groom, feels the need to be more for his so-to-be bride, Margarette Toft, and decides to investigate Wilkin Wilkinson who is believed to have committed murder decades earlier.

This is a fun story of crazy families, odd traditions (including a winner take all boxing match), and a couple of love stories that just might survive Coraloo.

Much like the infamous feuding Hatfields and McCoys, Mantagues and Capulets, Campbells and MacDonalds, The Marriage of Innis Wilkerson pits two families with love interests against one another. Blood has yet to be spilled but it might happen any moment.

Constable Roy Blackwell and Margarette Toft are in love and planning to get married. Neither family is jumping for joy, each is willing to undermine the couple whenever possible. In the town of Coraloo there is a committed couple, a bizarre festival embracing and celebrating a Beaver, two families that really dislike each other, too many names to keep track of and then along comes a spider. What the heck does Innis Wilkinson and her husband have to do with all and any of this?!

Imbuing her characters with a touch of hypochondria, a sprinkle of sweetness, salt and lemon to balance, and a great deal of humor, there are some riotously funny shenanigans afoot. Nothing earthshaking going on between the pages just a good bit of fun, love and commitment.

Thank you NetGalley and Lion Fiction for a copy

What a unique read! I adored this book, as it had great characters, was whimsical and unique. The plot twist at the end shocked me! It is hard to get surprised when reading anymore, so I loved that there was a twist I didn't see coming.

In The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson Lauren H. Brandenburg builds on the success of her Carol Award-winning The Death of Mungo Blackwell. Readers are welcomed back to Coraloo with its zany residents, long-held traditions, and feuding families.

Brandenburg manages to take something that could be absolutely ridiculous and make it charmingly quirky. Roy Blackwell’s patience and desire to ease his fiancée’s burdens is so sweet. Margarette Toft, with her out-of-control task list is easy to relate to. I love that there's more to the author's characters than meets the eye, and the truths revealed as you spend more time with them.

This is a book that is both an escape and a discovery. Whether it’s loving well in the midst of chaos, discovering what is right in front of you, the joys and disappointments of family, or finding the place that is yours, there’s something in this book that will speak to readers in across many areas of life.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The back copy of this one left me unsure if I would enjoy it but other reader reviews convinced me to try it. The quirky cover appealed too! However, this one is not for me, I enjoy unusual but this was bit too strange for me! I have consulted those who loved it and this is the very thing they appreciated. It is full, and I mean full, of superstition and tradition. Each family behind the two leads have so many opinions, on everything, from weather, to walking down pavements and skipping the lines, who to talk to and who to avoid. It is also a time-slip novel which I didn’t anticipate and the author weaves past and present together. The writing is lovely and the characters well-formed. If Lauren Brandenburg took to a different genre, I would read her again! If you have access to a preview of the novel, it will give you a good sense of the style throughout. As I didn’t enjoy it but can’t fault the writing, it’s a 3 out of 5.