The Rehearsals by Annette Christie is a contemporary romance take on the Groundhog's Day phenomenon where Megan and Tom relive the day of their wedding rehearsal over and over again until they work through all of the issues in their relationship that sent them into this warp in the time continuum. It is a book filled with love and heart, as well as an honest look at how deep-seated issues that are not addressed cause trauma in long-term relationships.

Reading and rereading the same beginning to each day of their rehearsal grew cringeworthy as Megan and Tom's relationship becomes more toxic once they realize they are reliving the same event each morning. However, as they begin to grow into their true selves separately, their relationship leaves the door open for the potential to heal and that is what engaged me as a reader - the hope that they would either make it together or become their best possible selves separately. Either way, I was rooting for them until the end.

While it sounds serious based on how their relationship spirals, the book never affected me emotionally. There is a lot of love between the couple and their history together is pleasant for the most part. I recommend this for those who enjoy the groundhog theme and a second chances storyline.
3.5 stars

Content warning: cheating

"The Rehearsals," by Annette Christie, is based on an interesting premise: What if you relive the same day over and over? And what if that day is the day before your wedding? And what if you're not sure you want to marry your fiance? This is what type - A personalities Megan and Tom are living through, while also dealing with family drama and the growing unhappiness in their own relationship. I thought this was a unique idea, but there were a few things I wasn't fond of, such as the lingering tension between Megan and a former boyfriend and the lack of communication between her and Tom. Thankfully, at the end, she and Tom learn how to communicate, how to stand up for themselves, and what is really important.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I love "Sliding Doors" or "Groundhog Day" like books, and this was not exception. I found it very charming and interesting how the many different layers of the characters developed over the days. I found myself not sure who or what I was rooting for since all of the characters had faults that they needed to deal with. While obviously not "realistic", I did find that the portrayal of the complicated relationships to be very realistic. This is a book you definitely will want to throw in your beach bag this summer!

If you enjoyed One Day in December, you'll love The Rehearsals, which tells the tale of a very frustrating day in the life of Megan and Tom who are having their rehearsal dinner on beautiful San Juan Island. But the day just won't end!

Megan and Tom have been together for ten years and know everything about each other; or do they?

I enjoyed all of the characters, but I'll be honest, I felt like the time loop just went on too long and there were too many versions of the same day. I know that's kind of the point, but I got weary with it. Nevertheless, the story was fun, the setting terrific, and I was quite content with the ending, once it finally arrived.

I definitely recommend this one and I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

THE REHEARSALS masterfully tells a story about a relationship in crisis and puts it through a high=stakes ringer in this wedding rehearsal dinner time loop with a a cast of family nightmares. To break the time loop, Megan and Tom must confront the challenges to their relationship--concessions they've made, the things they took for granted, the things they should have said before. In each iteration, you see their relationship evolve honestly and it is sometimes funny, sometimes painful, sometimes petty. The pacing is superb and for all their flaws and mistakes, you want to root for them to make it to the next day.