"The brutality of a break-up is hard. Feeling replaced? Is worse."

While there are many funny and zany moments, don’t be fooled by this cute cover—this is a break-up book! We follow Freya as she tries to rebuild her life after she gets dumped the day before her wedding. Having spent her formative 20s in a committed relationship, Freya reflects on what it’s like when she no longer has someone to share in life’s responsibilities with her, from doing basic household tasks that would never have crossed her mind to do, to random challenging moments like trying to get a bird out of her house!

I loved how through this journey, Freya was gaining confidence in herself again, trusting in the person that she is, and rediscovering her joie de vivre. Overall, I did find this one quite sad. It was filled to the brim with those small moments of devastation that you experience during break-ups, like realizing that when you wake up in the morning, no longer will you turn over and see that smile, or even feeling grief over the fact that you'll never have those everyday fights over calendar scheduling. But these sad moments are counterbalanced by a ton of whimsy and hilarity, which makes a story about being dumped a lot more fun than it ought to be!

This book is for you if you like:
- books of self-discovery
- stories that strongly feature groups of friends and families
- movies like 27 Dresses or Bridesmaids
- weddings!

Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listening copy of this audiobook!

Review will be posted on @FoldingthePage's Instagram account on May 10, 2022.

This book was hilarious, the banter among friends and authentic internal dialogue of the main character made the story so genuine and made her so likable.

I did not get to finish this one before it archived but I will definitely get my hands on a copy to finish soon.

I would absolutely read more by this author.

I LOVED this book!!!

This book stars with the main character, Freya being jilted - the day before her wedding in a broom closet! After realizing she still has 7 weddings to get through before the season is over, her friends Ruby and Leo come up with a list of different tasks for her to do at the weddings to take her mind off her failed relationship.

I loved how each wedding took place in a different city throughout the UK and France. It was so cool to be able to experience these places with Freya. The character development was fantastic, I could find a little of myself in every character.

I found myself many times laughing out loud, and smiling. This is a book that I will be recommending all summer! I can't wait to read more books by this author.

Thank you for the opportunity to get to listen to this amazing book!!

I absolutely adored this second book from Katy Birchall. It is full of growing pains, awkward moments, and people who truly love the main character. Freya was someone I always rooted for, and I loved seeing her grow into herself throughout the book.

Thanks to Netgalley, St.Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for the ARC of this. I swapped back and forth between the audio and the ebook while I was reading this.

This was super cute and fun! I've had British romances in the past where I felt the romance played out too slowly for me, but this one was perfectly paced. I loved the side plot with all of the weddings and her friends, who did a great job of being there when she needed them. If you want a sweet rom-com, I totally recommend it.
The narrator did a great job and was easy to listen to.

Wow, I really loved this book! I won't lie, I genuinely judged this book by it's cover and for some reason thought I wouldn't enjoy it all that much but I was clearly wrong from the very first page. This book follows the lead, Freya (shoutout to #acotar fans), through the messy aftermath of her failed marriage, a marriage which was meant to kick of a grueling summer of weddings, her own personal wedding season. In order to help her survive this barrage of wedded festivities alone, her friends help her devise a wedding season survival guide, complete with increasingly harrowing tasks that push Freya to put herself out there and take her mind off of her loss.

So, a great set up for a good meet-cute and some self actualization, right? Yes, yes exactly. But it's how well the author does it that makes the book so stunning. There's all the expected awkward run-ins with the ex's best man and the surviving a bachelorette party flooded by memories of her own, but it also just takes you through all the positive and negative of self-growth, actualization, and healing with a glorious sense of humor. And the friends! Oh my god the friends! All of the side-characters in this one truly sparkled, it was a delight to read every scene.

And *spoiler alert* there is a cute boy and an HEA and we all love to see it - he's charming and funny and the book actually develops the shift from antagonistic to adoring between the two, rather than just assuming that time will fix all things. But also, he's kind of the secondary plot line? And like, for what looks and seems like primarily a romance (which, don't get me wrong, I adore), it was pretty delightful. This was a romance rooted in juuuust the right amount of realism, that said yes, we do have to watch this person grow and devleop through and past a major heartbreak before putting her into the arms of a new, charming, adorable lover. And to, as a reader, enjoy every step of that process? I think takes a really good story.

And did I mention I love a to-do list? You had me at romantic to do list tbh.

The Wedding Season is such a fun book! It definitely has an enemies-to-lovers vibe to it. Freya’s heart is broken on the day before her wedding, so she and her friends embark on a mission to help her overcome the heartbreak and still enjoy the remainder of the weddings that she has to attend. The tasks that are set forth for Freya are fun and laugh-out-loud at times.

I loved how Freya was able to begin to desire other men and see that it is possible to move on. I loved Jamie from the first moment he entered the story and was delighted with the development of their relationship.

Freya’s story also involves her family and the struggles they have endured. Her and her mother have a strained relationship, and we get to see how they begin to mend the differences.

Birchall has written a great romcom full of hope and perseverance in the face of hardship. You won’t find yourself disappointed with this one! Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Katy Birchall for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review!

💐The Wedding Season 💐
By Katy Birchall
Pub Date: May 3, 2022

✨It has been awhile since a book made me laugh out loud like The Wedding Season did.

✨The Wedding Season follows Freya as she navigates attending seven weddings after being recently dumped by her fiancé of twelve years. Her amazingly hilarious friends Ruby and Leo devise a plan to help keep Freya distracted from thinking her broken heart. This book has everything from family drama to running naked in the halls.

✨ This book had me feeling all the feels. I really felt for Freya after her fiancé dumped her, even getting a little teared up. I laughed during the challenges and found myself swooning over the ending!

Recommend If:
💕 You Love Weddings
💕 You Enjoy Strong Friendships
💕 You Enjoy British Humor
💕 You Love A Good Challenge

I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it! Daphne Kouma did an amazing job making the characters come to life!

Thank you to @netgalley, @katybirchallauthor, and @macmillan.audio for the advanced audiobook!

*4.5 Stars for this one.

The audio narrator (Daphne Kouma) was excellent.

The story was adorable and touched on lots of serious issues: phases of breakup/heartbreak (good, bad and ugly, along with the optimism once the healing begins), parental/family issues, accountability, moving on and overall personal growth. However, it was still upbeat enough that while you felt the same outrage as the Freya (MC) you could still fall in love with the story and smile throughout. The only thing I didn't love was that it took awhile to get going...but I guess that's how heartbreak is....you feel stuck for awhile and then you move on.

The characters were all so relatable and likeable. I liked how every single character grew throughout the story.

The story also addressed a issue that is really prevalent in today's society "being present even when you aren't physically there." We all crave human interaction and to be heard. I loved how that was added into the story.

One of my favorite parts was when the Freya finally gets the love/support/attention from her mother...something that Freya has wanted for most of her life. They talk about the breakup with Matthew and how your life is like a book and an ex is just a chapter in that book...sometimes it's time to move on. The specific quote was "...now he's written himself off the page, which means you have some options. You can wait to see if he pops up later, letting the paragraph waffle on with nothing much happening until he does OR you can embark on the next adventure, ready to greet new characters that enter, experience a change of scenery." Having gone through a couple hard breakups throughout my life, I thought the way the author described each stage of the process was described so well...the emotion and healing of heartbreak and healing.

Onto another favorite part...if you're offended by the word "TWAT" then you might need to skip a few paragraphs towards the end of the book, because it's almost like the word was coming like rapid fire. Also, there is lots of wine...wine wine everywhere and not a drop to drink. IYKYK.

I LOVED the person Freya ends up with. That natural chemistry was just perfect. There is a sense of closure at the end which I also liked.

I highly recommend this one. Not a lot of steam but I don't think this book needed it.

The Wedding Season is a unique romcom written by Katy Birchall. This story is quite different than the typical romcom. It does not have the typical love story, happiness, and giddy feelings that romcoms usually bring a reader. Instead, this story is a lot more meaningful while still bringing humor into an unfortunate situation. The story begins with Freya Scott about to get married to her long-term boyfriend, Matthew. But then, the day before the wedding he calls it off. This leaves Freya feeling embarrassed and heartbroken and unsure about how she will get through the wedding season which consists of seven people that she knows getting married. Her close group of friends ends up creating a list of challenges for Freya to complete at each of the weddings in order to bring some fun into it and help her get through all of them. Through this time, Freya learns more about herself and strengthens her relationships with her friends and family members. Overall, Freya grows exponentially during the wedding season. She reconnects with family that she lost touch with, helps with each of her friends weddings, becomes independent, and learns to be content with what happened between her and Matthew. By the final wedding and with the final challenge that her friends created for her, she is able to move on and understand a new type of love. This story was reflective and emotional while also being funny and entertaining. It is the perfect fast paced springtime read! Typically when reading a romcom, readers have an idea on how the story is going to end. However, this one leaves the readers questioning what will happen with Freya and her love life the entire story and wondering who she will end up with, or will she want to remain independent and to herself?

#TheWeddingSeason:⁣
⁣
“It’s faith, darling. Sometimes it’s healthy to have some of that.” ⁣
⁣
Honestly, I’m cackling. This was such a fun and cheeky book. I’m so glad I picked this up and really enjoyed every minute. I love Freya because this would be our friend group if someone was left. (I’d karate kick someone in the balls at least until I was 24.. maybe 26 TBH. Let’s be honest, I’d do it today for the right reasons)⁣
⁣
Freya really has the greatest friends. They were honest, yet still caring and gentle with her feelings. I also liked how realistic Freya’s actions were. She was just dumped on the day before her actual wedding. A kick in the sack and chowing down on cheese is normal. So is listening to Total Eclipse of the Heart on repeat. I loved The Wedding Survival Guide. I thought it was a nice enough push from her friends, but still acknowledging she can’t just bounce back to how she would have been. I do feel like Freya grew as a person in the best way as the book goes on, and I felt like I was going to be protective of anyone that tried to rush her. Her speech at Rachel’s wedding was so sweet. ❤️⁣
⁣
Daphne Kouma was AMAZING on audio! Seriously recommend audio if you’re going to check this one out (you should) There’s a lot of internal dialogue from Freya, and Daphne hit the mark. The cringe, the embarrassment, the exasperation, and the sadness, all perfectly done. This is one where I love the book, and the audio really amplifies the book to really love it. ⁣
⁣
I think what I love best about the two Katy Birchall books I have read is that they both focus heavily on having a really great friend group/support system. The restaurant scene was EVERYTHING and I’m cackling thinking about it. I adored this book as much as The Secret Bridesmaid, and am sure Katy Birchall is an autobuy. Thank you so much @macmillan.audio and @smpromance for the gifted copy. The Wedding Season is out now! ⁣
⁣
⁣
QOTD: Let’s get married! What cake are you having at your wedding reception?

this novel was such a joy to read! i listened to the audiobook of “the wedding season” but i know i’m going to want to read the physical version so that i can hug and squeeze it at all my favorite parts! i adored the narrator’s voices and how they nailed all the different accents! it was super easy to follow along with all the dialogue because each character had a slight distinction that made everything flow. i also enjoyed the pacing of the novel and was surprised at how everything was equally spaced out despite there being seven weddings! all of freya’s tasks were given the same amount of attention and none of it felt rushed.

the plot is filled with so many love-able characters, but understandingly, i despised matthew with such a passion! freya, on the other hand, is a gem and i loved how she became more open and confident throughout the novel, she had a total personality arc, which was fun to watch unravel. my one critique is that the novel frequently jumped to flashbacks of freya and matthew before their break-up. as interesting as these snippets were, i felt that it disrupted the flow of the current storyline and i’d have to remind myself that we were 12+ years in the past. aside from this, i loved all the tasks ruby and leo created for freya and i adored this trio’s friendship! i think it would be super cool to have a sequel to this novel just to see where freya ends up a few years from now

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillian, and Katy Birchall for this advance listener copy in exchange for my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Wedding Season. It was such a well written novel, full of humor, friendship, love, heartbreak, and personal growth. It is a fast-paced book which will leave you wanting to read just one more chapter.... or so you will tell yourself. I honestly think this could be easily adapted to film, and be a widely loved rom-com.

I found myself sympathizing for Freya, laughing with her (...and sometimes at her for the hilarious situations she got herself into), longing for the friendships she has, mourning the plans she had for herself that were abruptly taken from her, understanding her complicated relationship with a parent, and ultimately loving everything about her. This book will leave you wanting to read more about Freya, her life, and what will happen next.

I would also like to note that Daphne Kouma did a fantastic job narrating this book. She brought every character and moment to life with her narration.

**I have also submitted a review to Amazon which is under review.

When Matthew leaves Freya the day before their wedding, she is devastated but tries to hide it all behind a calm front. Not only has she been left at the altar, but she has seven weddings to go to amongst her group of friends that summer. Her fabulous friends see right through her calm demeanor and, after determining that she still wants to go to all these weddings, give her a set of tasks to complete during each event.. By the end of the "wedding season," she has learned a lot about herself and her relationships.

I feel bad being so entertained by a "left at the altar" situation, but this was uproariously funny at times. The audiobook narrator Daphne Kourna portrayed the characters' changing emotions perfectly, whether it was humor, pain, embarrassment, betrayal, sadness, or anger.. She did a fantastic job.

The relationship between Freya and her mother is so heartwrenching, as this is not the first time she's been abandoned. Freya's journey through her heartbreak, both past and present, is compelling. Her supporting cast of friends are the type of people I'd like to have in my life when others let me down. It's a rollicking recovery journey that you will not want to miss.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Macmillan Audio via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

The Wedding Season is a hilarious, heartwarming story you will fall in love with! The humor in this story was excellent and I adored the friendships. The relationships Freya had with her friends and family is what made this story so special and the tasks her friends gave her to accomplish at each wedding were wonderful. This was a clean slow-burn romance. I’m actually really glad they were not part of the story and made the angst and buildup even better. Overall, this was an absolutely lovely story about forgiveness, personal growth, friendships, and love.

The worst nightmare for a bride, to be dumped the day before your wedding. Freya is heartbroken and to add more heartache, she has to attend several of her friends weddings over the upcoming summer months.

The first third of the book was very slow, focusing on Freya's heartache over the cancelled wedding. Finally her friends step in and provide her a challenge for each upcoming wedding. Let the fun begin, right? I thought it would pick up and it really didn't. There were some great moments, some laugh out loud spots, and even a little romance, however, there were a lot of in between moments that didn't really keep my attention.

I did enjoy watching Freya find her voice and discover how to continue on. Frankly, I was a little taken aback at how she stayed with Matthew for as long as she did because he really sounded like a jerk that didn't appreciate Freya and her differences from his.

Overall I would say this is a good women's fiction story. I listened to the audiobook of it, and I adored the narrator's laugh throughout the book!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillon Audio for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

If you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted read sprinkled with mischief and laughs, I highly recommend this book.

Freya is extremely easy to love, along with her friends and you can’t help but laugh and cheer as she tackles each adventure.

This book was an absolute delight! I listened to the audio version and the narrator, Daphne Kouma, was phenomenal. Katy Birchall is quickly becoming one of my favorites when I’m in the mood for a light and funny, feel-good story.

When Freya’s finance ends things a day before the wedding, her entire life falls apart. The only thing worse than getting dumped on the eve of your wedding? Having seven more weddings to attend that summer! This story hit very close to home. Luckily, I wasn’t dumped at the altar but I did have a relationship end the same year most of my girlfriends tied the knot. I know first-hand how hard it is to put on a happy face and carry out bridesmaids’ duties (5x over!) when you’re feeling pretty miserable about love. I think if my breakup had been fresher this book might have been something I gave up on. Thankfully, enough time has passed that I was able to laugh along and wholeheartedly enjoy Freya’s adventures. It was a great reminder to get out of your comfort zone but also to allow yourself time and space to heal. I adored the friendship between Freya, Ruby and Leo and I didn’t expect to find this book so hilarious! It’s a great read that I highly, highly recommend!

OMG OMG OMG

NEW FAVOURITE AUTHOR: I WAS HOLDING MY PEE IN REALLY!!!!!

Freya Gets Dumped By Mathew the day before her wedding her Bff Ruby and her fiance Leo set some tasks for her on the upcoming wedding season!


🍺 Penis Hats!!!!!!

🍺 Jaime the Ultimate book boyfriend i loved him soo Much

🍺 Freya's Group of friends sides characters have so many different personalities it was so loveable and refreshing

🍺 French Abercombie Waiters

🍺 Eagle eyed monocle Tattoos

🍺 Multiple stories Happening within

🍺 Total crown jewel kick... Total moment as well as girls backing a wine throw

🍺 Streaking round hotel corridors like the spice girls

🍺 Bury the sausage!

🍺 Mothers and Poetry do not mix

🍺 The Ending 💕💕💕

🍺 Finally the Narrator was brilliant with all the different accent and people!

This book has absolutely everything from start to finish its hysterical with multidimensional lovable characters

Super cute story! I really enjoyed it!

Description
Katy Birchall's The Wedding Season is Four Weddings and a Funeral meets The Wedding Party: when a recently jilted bride is forced to attend seven weddings in one summer, her friends devise a series of hilarious challenges as distraction.

Smart and ambitious, Freya Scott prides herself on always having it together: she has a top job as a Brand Manager for Suttworth, a multi-national drinks company, and she’s engaged to her long-term boyfriend, Matthew. Their wedding is the first of eight in her calendar this year, and she’s intent on making it the fete that everyone is talking about all summer long.

But when Matthew calls it off the day before their walk down the aisle, Freya’s entire life plan goes up in smoke. Humiliated and heartbroken, she is determined to appear in control and fine. Surely, Matthew will soon realize that he’s made a huge mistake, and their wedding will simply be “postponed” instead of canceled.

In the meantime, Freya still has a summer of other people's nuptials ahead of her––which she must now attend solo. To help her survive the wedding season, her best friends concoct a series of challenging, outrageous tasks that she must complete at each event, designed to distract her from Matthew and what might have been.

From getting stuck in an old church bathroom and needing to be rescued by the vicar to making out with a barman at a French chateau, Freya realizes that despite herself, she might just be having fun. And by the time the final wedding arrives, she will discover that the road to a happy ending sometimes has unexpected detours, that “I do” is only the beginning––and that perhaps her own love story isn’t over just yet.