The Wedding Setup by Sonali Dev is a perfect fit for readers who adore lighthearted, emotional, and romantic stories that explore the complexities of family, identity, and second chances, particularly those who enjoy Indian culture and are looking for a heartwarming and uplifting tale of self-discovery and love.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I have been VERY into novellas and short stories lately, and The Wedding Setup by Sonali Dev DID NOT DISAPPOINT! This short story was extremely enjoyable, and it kept me hooked from beginning to end! Highly recommend!

Honestly, I thought I gave feedback on this book already, but it's possible I did that just to the author on her facebook page! This book was a delight. For a short story, it had solid character development - and they were likable, too! Like all of Dev's work, the family at large plays a role and there are complex but loving relationships, and meddling mothers and aunties, of course. Heartstrings were pulled, and the absence of Ayesha's brother and the impact of that loss is keenly felt but an important plot point. And her best friend - the bride - is a good counter to this loss. This short story had lovely depth and has certainly stayed with me.

This is really a cute, heartfelt book. The characters are multifaceted, and their journey to have Elliot happily ever after is emotional and entertaining at the same time.

I’m always fascinated by authors who can craft a whole world into a short story. Fleshed our characters with a nuanced plot - top marks.

This was a really cute romance short story. This book covered grief and romance. I LOVED the setting of this book. The Wedding was perfect. This was just really cute and sweet.

A nice short story to spent some time in. The amount of emotional depth built in such a short time was impressive. I would definitely like to see these characters in a full novel!

A romance short story that had me emotional. There was more character depth in these few pages than I can find in a full length novel. I felt Ayesha’s love and grief over the death of her brother. I rooted for her and Emmitt. I previously read and enjoyed the author’s work, so it was no surprise.

Loved this one! I thought the writing and the story was brilliant! Really well done in less than 70 pages. Lots of emotional moments and a really depth to the story. Also a second chance romance, and some steam in there rounded out the things I loved. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this one. Highly recommend.

Very enjoyable with likable characters. Some parts were hilarious. I was ner to Dev's writing but this was such a hit with me

I love Sonali Dev's writing! There's a lot going on here--a big Indian wedding, Twilight references, processing grief, brother's best friend, second chance romance, and mother/daughter drama--and it's just a short story! That's a lot to take on in such a short format, but I knew if anyone could do it well, she could.

That said, I honestly had to read this story twice to really appreciate it. It's a wonderful story with great characters, but with it being a short story, the first time through I felt like I was still trying to figure out who Ayesha, Bela, Emmitt, and Ayesha's mother were as characters when boom! the story was over. Don't get me wrong, it's a solid ending and it gave me all kinds of happy feels--but it wasn't until I read it over again two days later that it all really came together. On the second reading I already knew and liked the characters and was better able to focus on what was happening and the dialogue a lot more than I had the first time around, and I was able to really appreciate the story as a whole.

(There were honestly an embarrassing number of ah-ha moments for me on that second time around. How did I miss the reason "Dr Rat" had to climb out the bathroom window? OMG, that one made me cackle when I realized what happened. I'm fairly certain it was a blend of I read too fast sometimes and Sonali Dev is a word magician who somehow manages to pack a whole lot in using not too many words)

The Wedding Setup was a lovely story, perfect for both fans of the author and newbies who want to get an idea of her writing style--and it's definitely worth a re-read. Or two ;)

Rating: 4 stars / A-

The Wedding Setup is a heartfelt cute story about a woman who is looking for happiness. Really enjoyed this quick read!

Such a cute short story by an author I really enjoy. Would love to read more about these characters in a full book.

Sonali Dev has a gift for creating a lot of emotion in only a few words. This story packed a punch of angst, loneliness, and yearning. The setup felt very relatable - a former rebel turns dutiful after the death of her brother, taking on his legacy in order to please her traditional mother. Years later, at her best friend’s wedding, she’s reunited with the man she turned away in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Overall it was a lovely read!

There was so much packed into the story! I loved reading about all the details about the wedding. It was the perfect story to read during the pandemic when all festivities and family gatherings were put on hold.
With family obligations and expectations, there's only so much one can endure without it taking its toll, especially if you're putting your life on hold and denying what your heart desires.
I would love to see an expanded version of this story, however this story was just enough to get the imagination going!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Wedding Setup is an adorable short rom-com story. I love all of Sonali Dev’s books and this one did not disappoint. Quick read if you have a spare hour or two, with fabulous characters. I’d love to see it developed into a full novel!

Sonali Dev is one of my favorite writers! I have been hooked on her Rajes series for some time, and this was a great short story to see a new side of Dev. It was heart warming and I will be sharing this with anyone who will listen.

When I think of romance, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and satisfies every romance junkies' heart. This is a perfect book to snuggle up with on any day.

I loved reading this one. This was fun and at the same time an emotional rollercoaster ride. Did I mention it is also very swoon-worthy? The book is not very long and is ideal for finishing in one sitting. The narration is crisp and keeps your attention. Definitely would recommend.

Short story that shows how misunderstandings can lead to heartache. Once all things are cleared up there can be happy endings.