When calm and collected Freya Scott imagined her wedding, she never imagined it going quite this way. A groom with cold feet, rouge peacocks, and years of "love you forever" gone instantly. But life goes on, and Freya's friends are determined to help her make it through the most extensive wedding season any of them can remember. By creating a series of wedding-based challenges, her friends are determined to show her there is more in life than just the ending. What unfolds is a hysterical, life-altering summer proving that there are second chances in love. It is a fun, engaging look at love, grief, friendship, and how they all tie together—an excellent read.

This book was such a sweet contemporary romance about the importance of finding your own independence and another chance at love after a break-up! It was witty and fun with just the right amount of cheesy rom-com factor. Watching Freya get over her break-up while discovering herself again was truly so poignant and something I think is missed in rom-com's most of the time. Katy Birchall keeps her readers swooning, laughing, and gushing over this lovely novel!

The Wedding Season
By: Katie Birchall

Rating: 5 Stars
Spice Rating: 1 Pepper

Synopsis: Freya Scott’s wedding is set to be the perfect opener to the wedding season (a series of 8 weddings she’s set to attend over a few months) but when her boyfriend of 12 years calls things off the day before her wedding, she finds herself faced with the daunting task of attending 7 weddings while dealing with the fallout of her own breakup. With the help of her friends, they concoct a scheme to help her survive the wedding season and come to terms with the unexpected direction her life has taken.

Rating:This book was an absolute delight. I was feeling a reading slump coming on and this book was the perfect cure. Let me tell you, I laughed SO HARD reading this. At one point, I laughed so hard I actually cried. I would be doing it a huge disservice to classify this as simply a “contemporary romance” or “rom-com” book. There is a romantic storyline but it is so much more than that. I loved watching Freya evolve throughout the book and really felt like the fun of the book was just watching her fall back in love with herself.

I HIGHLY recommend this one.
Releases May 3, 2022. THANK YOU to netgalley, the author, and St. Martin’s publishing book for the early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I ended up liking this book way more than I thought I was going to. I figured it would be your typical rom-com about getting over a breakup, but it definitely had more substance to it than that. I liked that Freya didn't wait around for Matthew to come back to her but didn't get over him after a few chapters either. They had been together for 12 years, it should take some time to move on and come to terms with what her new life was going to look like. Luckily she has some amazing friends to help her through everything (don't we all wish we had a Ruby and Leo by our sides?). The wedding challenges were funny and gave her just the right push to get her to leave her comfort zone. One of the funniest parts in the book is Freya going through her list of everything that Matthew took from their apartment that she felt he should have left. The other aspect of the novel that I really liked was pointing out how Matthew controlled everything about their breakup and never really gave Freya the opportunity to get what she needed in order to start to move on. This makes her kicking him in the balls and throwing wine in his face that much more satisfying when you think back on them. I loved easy the banter was between Freya and Jamie even when they were initially insulting one another. Their first interaction is the first opportunity you really get to see Freya stand up for herself and demonstrate how smart and confident a woman she usually is. And the more you get to see them together the more you realize how much better he is for Freya than Matthew ever could have been. I thought Freya's mom gets off a little easy and Freya definitely should have laid into a little more than she did - I really liked that their relationship was still a work in progress at the end, it made it so much more realistic. The only thing I wished this book had was one more short chapter or an epilogue. I just need to know how Freya and Jamie were doing a few weeks or months down the road. Overall, this is probably one of the best break-up books I have read!

I am a sucker for anything set in Great Britain....probably because my family is from there. This was an absolutely adorable romance novel. It wasn't funny per se, but there were humorous parts. I really enjoyed the MC's journey to find herself after heartbreak. Was it predictable, yes. But was it exactly what you want out a book from this genre, also yes. I did really love that the women in this story had strong friendships and were strong characters on their own, not relying on men but not bashing them either. Refreshing take.

The Wedding Season follows the story of bride to be Freya, who is jilted by her fiancé the day before their wedding. Freya is left scrambling in the wake of her this surprising end to her 12 year relationship, and to face another 7 weddings of close friends and family that season afterward. In an attempt to help distract her and get her through her best friends come up with a list of challenges to see her through and push her outside her comfort zone.

The Wedding Season is a humorous, heart warming and engaging story - filled with laughter, tears, and really strong friendships. A story that manages to take on this painful time in Freya’s life and give a real glimpse into the complicated feelings and personal journey, while maintaining levity and fun.

I absolutely loved this book, it was my first read by the author, but I’ve already grabbed another of hers to try. The story was one that managed to have me literally laughing out loud, from early on in the story and it carried through the book. The humor was just on point for me.

There were many strong characters, though the friendship between Freya and Ruby was a true highlight for me - they had excellent banter and felt so real to me. I loved the focus of supportive relationships - of family and friends in this story.

I really felt and connected with Freya and her processing of the event and it’s aftermath. She was sad, hurt, confused, angry, yearning — author felt real and honest. It’s never just a clean break especially after 12 years, you are reeling and her journey and growth felt brutally realistic. (Though I did appreciate that there was some revenge / comeuppance- but handled in such a way that it felt again, humorous but that it could happen).

This book is what I would call a romantic dramady / Contemp Womens Fiction. Given that Freya has her heart broken and her world tipped right at the beginning, as you might guess the romance element is not the main theme and is stronger in the last bit of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for the opportunity to read an early copy. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

The Wedding Season was a fun and quirky Rom Com. The wedding season list lead to great flow for the book. I wish there was even more development between Freya and Jamie but all and all I loved book. Fun and fast read that I'll recommend to my girlfriends

Darling book. I loved the way she took a terrible situation and turned it into something positive. Loved the humor. Definitely worth the read.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Note: I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley!

THE WEDDING SEASON is a fun read with plenty of heart and wit. It's shelved as a romance, though the central plot of the book focuses more on the main character's self-discovery and the development of her friendships. The romance in the book is minimal and mostly occurs in the latter third of the novel.

Freya is reeling after being dumped a day before her wedding and (horror of all horrors) must slog through the wedding season desperately single. Ouch. With the help of her lovable friends Leo and Ruby she will learn that she doesn't need a romantic lover to know her own worth. I loved getting to know the indomitable crew and found myself wishing for friends as wonderful and supportive as them.

I would have liked to see more romance, especially since the synopsis seems to imply that it will be more centrally-featured. However, I am a huge fan of chick lit/women's fic (especially novels that feature self-discovery and healing) so I think that readers who are also in the market for these types of stories will love this one.

Jilted bride + a list of challenges = a unique rom com read! A lot of books in this genre don’t do a great job balancing our main character moving forward while grappling her past. This was well executed in the book! I loved the group of characters, the love interest and the locations.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I love that this book tried to focus on real life themes you don’t often see in romance - like getting over a long term relationship, knowing when to walk away, the sheer number of weddings and the pressure to settle down, and revisiting the way trauma or childhood experiences impact how we show up in relationships. It had all the right pieces — but I struggled to really get invested because the writing style felt forced or unrealistic. Thank you for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

Freya is dumped the day before her wedding and now must face “Wedding Season” alone and heartbroken. When Freya’s two best friends come up with the “Wedding Season” survival tasks to keep her mind off her heartbreak during all the weddings she has to attend, Freya accepts the challenge. Each wedding provided Freya with a distraction as well as a chance for her to reflect on her broken relationships and what happened.

Leo and Ruby are the best friends a girl can have and they really rallied around Freya in the best way possible. With their help, Freya was able to reflect on her relationship, challenge herself out of her comfort zone and make peace to move forward. Plus it doesn’t help that Freya made a new friend during “Wedding Season” who has the potential to be something more. Such a great read about friendship, heartache and moving forward!


Thank you @netgalley, @stmartinspress, and @katybirchallauthor for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Enjoyed this one! It was a cute read. Loved Freya and felt for her for what happened to her hours before her wedding. Loved her sidekicks, they are the best friends someone can ever hope to have. A few parts in this book made me laugh out loud. Just an overall good read.

Definitely recommend this one.

Thanks to Netgalley for my free advance reader copy in exchange for my review.

This book was a delight start to finish. This plot is, on its surface, a rom-com about weddings, but underneath the surface is a story of personal development and a growth journey. The romance is almost secondary to Freya finding herself outside of a romantic relationship. Highly recommend!

I have a new favorite author and that is Katy Birchall! After reading The Secret Bridesmaid last year I knew she would be special to me because she knocked that book right out of the park. What I didn't realize is that she would do it all over again in her second novel! I absolutely LOVED this book. To pieces! So much so that the second it releases I'll be purchasing a copy for my shelves! It's a must read!

Freya is getting married, until her boyfriend calls off the wedding hours before the wedding. she has 7 more weddings to get thru. it is a funny sweet book.

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

Right before her wedding, Freya Scott’s fiance Matthew calls off everything. Now she has to survive not one but seven of her friends’ weddings.

The Wedding Season is the perfect mix of romance and humor. Story develops not only through Freya’s romantic relationships, but growth is shown in her friendships and family dynamic. The loyalty of Freya’s friends evening during their own special days is heartwarming.

There is no spice in this book but sometimes it’s nice to just have a sweet love story and see a character's personal growth.

This is the first book that I have read from Katy Birchall but I have added several of her other works to my TBR.

3.75 Stars.

First things first, I was given a copy of this book as an ARC. A big thank-you to NetGalley and Katy Birchall for allowing me to be an early reader!

This book is centered around the life of Freya. She and her fiancé, Matthew, have been together for 12 years and tomorrow is their wedding day… that is until Matthew calls off their wedding the day before. He tells Freya this unfortunate news in a broom closet, leaving her heartbroken, to say the least.

Funny enough, Freya will have to wallow in self-pity for the entire summer since she has to attend seven weddings of her close friends and family.

Luckily for Freya, she has an amazing support system! Her friends Ruby and Leo - who are also getting married this summer - help distract her by giving her a list of challenges to complete. At each wedding, she must accomplish one task off of the list.

But to make matters worse, Freya and Matthew run in the same social circle, so they often see each other at the wedding functions. So how will Freya cope with the constant reminders of the wedding that she worked so hard to plan, that won’t end up going through? Read to find out!

This book was beautifully written. It is set in the UK, and it was a light-hearted, quick read. I love the important message that the book shared, especially the idea of only needing to worry about yourself and that you don’t need a significant other in your life to feel whole. If you are a lover of Beth O’Leary’s books, then I think you will love this book and its writing style!! Also, if you enjoy the bucket-list trope, then check this one out!

This review has also been uploaded to Goodreads.

I was so excited to be able to read this as an arc, and it was fantastic! I loved Freya, and the realistic journey she went on after being left before she even got to the alter. Katy Birchall did an amazing job on this book and her ability to show more of a realistic side to romance made me love this book even more. The reason why I gave this a 4, is based on the fact that I wanted more time spent in each wedding. I felt it a bit rushed when it was a big part of it.

Side note; I was surprised to see that I had bought this authors other book, The Secret Bridesmaid, and am now even more excited to read it!

Book Review🌟-

I was lucky enough to get approved for an ARC of “The Wedding Season” by Katy Birchall and I am so happy I got to read it!!

The day before Freya is supposed to be marrying her Fiancé and partner of 12 years, Mathew, the unthinkable happens. He calls off the wedding leaving Freya heartbroken and embarrassed. Freya’s whole life plan has gone up in smoke and the last thing she feels like doing is attending the many other weddings she’s already committed to that summer. Luckily, her friends come with an outrageous plan to help get her through each event and distract her from thinking about Mathew. Freya learns how to cope, what she wants from life and that just maybe her love story isn’t really over.

I loved this book!! The characters and banter were hilarious, the plot line was original, and I really love a book where a character comes into their own. This story is about life’s detours and how we grow from them.

•Funny- Can I join Ruby and Leo’s best friend circle please?
•Heartwarming, fun and sweet but also emotional. I teared up multiple times in this book.
•I could have used more Jamie! 😍

This book will be published on May 3rd and I highly suggest you add it to your TBR! Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced read!