Is this my favorite book ever? I think it might just be. The Wedding People is truly unputdownable and is an absolute must read. A novel about being at the lowest of lows and life just won't relent but then a little unexpected sliver of light that becomes everything. Stunning. Wonderful. Every description for perfection, this novel earns them all.

I aspire to write something as phenomenal as this book someday. Seriously!!

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Phoebe Stone plans to kill herself at a luxurious Rhode Island hotel, however, her plans are interrupted by an ostentatious million dollar wedding happening at the hotel and the bride behind it. The two forge an unlikely acquaintanceship and what ensues is an exploration of what it means to live. I was riveted from the start and felt deeply invested in these characters and their lives.

This was a masterpiece in storytelling!! The narrative structure and present 3rd person POV makes you feel like you’re at that beautiful Rhode Island hotel, witnessing people who are falling apart desperately acting like they have it together.

I particularly enjoyed how the good and bad of each character was explored. So often novels try to dive into that “no one is wholly good or wholly bad” theme and it often comes off very cliched, but here, we’re not told this. Rather, the characters are so well written and developed that it comes off so naturally.

Ugh I just *chefs kiss*

A passage that especially moved me:
“That is why she has always preferred books-because to be alive is much harder. To be alive, she must leave this hotel, despite the uncertainty of everything. Walk down the long hallway of that mansion come winter, not knowing what will become of her, which is a thing that does scare her.”

ONE OF MY FAV BOOKS THIS YEAR

I really enjoyed this book, I’m excited to see what else this author comes out with in the future! Thank you to netgalley for this eARC!

To describe the plot of this story might scare you off. It might make you think “There is no way this will work. There is no way I will like this!” But it does work. And you will *love* it. Just trust me.

It has the vibe of a less zany, madcap Amy Poeppel novel. The characters are relatable and real and understandable and lovable. The whole thing is so heartwarming (again, you would not believe this is possible if I told you the plot, so please just trust me) and at times really laugh out loud funny, and I’ll be recommending it to everyone I love.

If you only read one book this summer, I’m going to say maybe, just maybe, it should be this one. In fact, my one wish is just that this was going to be released sooner because I think it is a great summer read, so it’s a shame it’s not coming out till the end of July.

This book was different than i thought it would be and its not going to be for everyone. I did enjoy the unusual friendship which was unexpected, moving and thought provoking. I had a hard time connecting with the FMC at times and i also thought the story unraveled slowly. I didnt care about the brides various wedding guests and their family back stories but we spent so much time on that. This also had tons and ton of trigger warnings. i think i wanted a light summer read and phew baby this wasnt it. It was well written and i do think Alison Espach is supremely talented.

Life is looking bleak for Phoebe Stone. Her mother died when she was born, she was raised by her depressed father, never progressed further than being an adjunct instructor, IVF has failed, her husband left her for one of his associates, and now her beloved cat has died. She decides to put on an elegant emerald dress that she bought but has never worn, book a room at a high end resort in Newport that she had wanted to go to with her husband, and take her life. At check in, she learns that the entire resort, except for her room, has been taken over by Lila for her million dollar destination wedding.

Initially she is mistaken for one of “the wedding people”. When Lila learns Phoebe’s intentions which will ruin the wedding, she befriends the lonely woman. And thus the reader is off to a rollicking six day visit with “The Wedding People.”

It took a while for me to get into this book, but once I did I found it a witty, satisfying contemporary read. I loved the colorfully, well developed characters and the astute, sometimes painful, often cleverly funny observations of life, family and relationships. Readers will find themselves cheering on Phoebe as she learns a lot about herself and comes into her own.

Incidentally, Tri Star has already acquired the rights to this novel.

It’s not an exaggeration to say this book changed my life. When I initially read the summary for this book, I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. As someone who has dealt with infertility and miscarriage (and is now doing fertility treatment), I’ve never been able to put into words some of my experiences. Phoebe’s experience, particularly the feelings of regretting not being excited for the brief time she was pregnant and her relationship with Harry, feels deeply similar to my experience. It isn’t often that you feel fully immersed in a story and find yourself crying heavily because you feel seen. Thank you for this story. And the hope that comes along with it.

A devastating event leads Phoebe to take the dream trip she has been putting off. The trip involves a sinister plan that begins to fall apart when a bride and her wedding guests arrive at the same hotel. A bride who REALLY doesn’t want anything to ruin her day, and unexpected bonds being created all lend themselves to a change in plans.

This was a highly anticipated read for me, and it lived up to all of my expectations!

It was funny and quirky but also so emotional while dealing with some really heavy stuff. If there was ever a book that portrays the essence of hope it would be this one! I loved all of the characters, and in the end I even found myself softening towards the one character we’re not supposed to like.

I can totally see this being a well loved movie someday. I actually already have the full cast picked out in my head

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Henry Holt Publishing for this advanced reader copy of The Wedding People by Alison Espach. I absolutely loved Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance in 2022, and now Espach will be an auto buy author for me.

Phoebe has reached her breaking point in the long list of bad things that have happened to her. She leaves her home and career, checks into an expensive dream hotel, and plans on never coming out. Much to her surprise, life is turned upside down by a week long wedding celebration in the same location.

This is not a twee rom com by any stretch of the imagination. This book discusses very difficult topics in an honest, refreshing and humorous way. There are deeply flawed but equally lovable characters, and one liners that left me tearing up or laughing out loud on equal measure. Espach is a brilliant writer, and I adored this book!

The Wedding People published July 30, 2024.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'm obsessed with Alison Espach.

This is PERFECT summer reading. Save this one for an evening on a porch or a day at the beach.

I enjoyed the first half - great all around characterization (I LOVE miserable, depressed protagonists) and beautiful, escapist setting. But the plot required a little too much suspension of disbelief for my liking. Or maybe I'm just not into books with happy-ish endings?

This book is so special. I downloaded it after seeing someone praise it highly on Twitter and proceeded to gulp it down greedily on an airplane. Each character is so well realized and sympathetic while also sometimes frustrating - Phoebe in particular. Espach is talented at having empathy for her characters without ever letting them off the hook. I’m not normally a highlighter but I couldn’t help but mark several passages - here are a few favorites:
“There are some people in this world who remind you of exactly how you like to speak. She hasn’t met a person like this in a long time, not since she met her husband, which was why it was so painful when she started to forget how to speak to her husband.”
“Nobody was ever really watching, except Phoebe. Phoebe was the only person waiting in the dark to condemn herself for every single thing when the day was over. “
“And sometimes I wonder if the people who say they love being around children are lying. It’s like people who claim to like raisins. They just want to be people who like raisins.”
I don’t know what else to say except to reiterate that I think this book is incredibly special and will be beloved.

As soon as Phoebe arrives at the upscale Cornwall Inn in Rhode Island, she realizes she is the only guest at the inn who is not there for a wedding being held at the end of the week. The bride, Lila, has planned the whole week and her spectacular wedding. Phoebe’s plan will for sure, ruin the whole wedding. The Wedding People is about the lives of Phoebe whom is a professor, recently divorced and suicidal, Gary, the doctor and groom, Lila, the quirky bride who works at her mother's art gallery, and Jim who is Gary's best friend. This is my first read by author Alison Espach and I cannot wait to read more of her books! A very special thanks to NetGalley & Henry Holt & Co for the ARC of this that will release 7/30/24.

A great novel about the power of a community and the ability to take the time to find yourself. I'd recommend to those looking for an uplifting story.

I’ll just begin with this disclaimer: Romantic comedies are not my usual, preferred reading genre. That said, I do enjoy reading a well-done rom-com now and then. When a trusted reading friend (whose reading opinions often mirror mine) raved about The Wedding People, Alison Espach’s upcoming release (late July 2024), I was eager to read an advance copy of the novel myself.

The Wedding People is definitely a rom-com – and a delightful, well-done, surprisingly thoughtful one at that. Like any rom-com, The Wedding People features implausible coincidences, a certain level of predictability, situations that would never occur in real life, and - naturally - a charming meet-cute. But The Wedding People is so much more than that. The characters are a bit unexpected and interesting, the dialog is fresh and funny, the pacing is good, and while, yes, the predictability factor is high, there is also more depth and thoughtfulness than you might expect in a romantic comedy.

I very much enjoyed this novel, and will look forward to reading more of Alison Espach’s writing. The Wedding People will be a delightful addition to your summer reading list.

Thank you to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published in the United States on July 30, 2024.

4 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

I don't often recommend ARCs to people before they're published, but I'm definitely telling people about this book. I love literary fiction and this book had such a unique premise. I loved the cross of reminiscence with the slice of life and commentary on a wedding by a suicidal person. I think it's a really amazing read with a lot of character depth for both the main character, Phoebe, who has such beautiful and astute observations on life and aging, and the other FMC, Lila, who is complicated even in her own spoiled bubble. I loved their interactions with each other.

Another huge note on this book is that the romance doesn't feel forced at all. It feels very empowered and inconvenient at times, but definitely has the most satisfying ending without feeling cliche. I wish I could read this again for the first time.

5/5 will recommend, think this has potential to be one of the books of the year.

THE WEDDING PEOPLE BY ALISON ESPACH, PUB DATE: 7/30/24
I’m likely more critical of books than the average reader. I may be too critical. I often can’t help but think about what I don’t like about an author’s writing or what I would change to “improve” the story (in my eyes). As someone who is not an author and who does NOT have the talent to write a book, my critique does not mean much. However, since I am so picky, when I tell you I loved a book, it’s very high (and rare) praise for me to give! And let me tell you, I LOVED The Wedding People by Alison Espach. This five-star read is one I’ll be recommending for a long time to come.

Short synopsis: After arriving at the posh Cornwall Inn in Rhode Island, Phoebe realizes she is the only guest at the inn who is not there for a wedding being held at the end of the week. The bride, Lila, has carefully planned the week and her million-dollar wedding. Phoebe’s plan will surely ruin it. The two women will find themselves changing one another’s lives.
My thoughts: There is so much wit, humor, tenderness, and raw emotion in this novel. The writing is beautiful, and the story is touching. Phoebe’s reflective, internal thoughts and her desire to say what she thinks is refreshing. The banter, connections, and the willingness of characters to confess their private, most innermost thoughts is well executed. While the story takes place over a week, the reader learns about Phoebe’s past. The characters and their distinct, quirky, personalities are developed well. Even characters with unlikable traits have redeeming moments.

I don’t want to reveal too much about the book or potential spoilers and highly recommend you read this one without knowing too much about it.

The Wedding People will be published on July 30. Pre-order now or get it on your list to read before it is adapted by TriStar Pictures for the screen! As I was reading this book, I kept thinking about this being on screen and am excited to see who will be cast.

Thank you to @netgalley for the advance copy of this fabulous book.

When Phoebe enters the crowded lobby at the infamous Cornwall Inn of Newport RI, she is wearing a beautiful green dress and carries no luggage. Phoebe, a literature professor from St. Louis, booked an ocean view suite for this auspicious occasion. To be alone and mourn the husband she lost and life that is no longer attainable. As she carefully observes the lobby Phoebe realizes these guests are attending a wedding. In fact, she is the only non wedding guest in the hotel. Alone in the elevator, Phoebe and Lila, the beautiful bride, strike up an unlikely friendship, confiding things in each other they probably shouldn’t be saying out loud. Before she knows it Phoebe is spending the week with “the wedding people” who are mostly named Jim and more wrapped up in themselves than to bother asking why this stranger is at the wedding. While helping Lila have “the most amazing wedding week ever” Phoebe reflects on the dissolution of her own marriage and the devastating betrayal of the man she loved. As she remembers the painful IVF failures and the family she will never have she closely watches Lila and sees the pain beneath the glitz and glamour; a difficult eccentric mother, the devastating loss of her father and the fact she is marrying a perfect man whom she may not actually love. As the two women share their lives and experiences with each other they are able to honestly face their true selves in the mirror. A million dollar wedding week filled with outrageous characters, dark humor and the ultimate search for the meaning of life. This was a unique, well written, captivating story. What is really interesting to note is that at 50% I was not completely hooked, even considered putting this down! But it pulled me back in and got progressively better. This never happens! I am so glad I finished and wound up loving it.

The Wedding People is an excellent "slice of life" novel about the lives of Phoebe (a professor who is recently divorced and suicidal), Gary (a gastroenterologist and the groom), Lila (the bride and who works at her mother's art gallery), and Jim (Gary's best friend and the brother of Gary's late wife), the complicated situations they find themselves in, and what it means to discover one's true self.

The novel is extremely well written. Some possible triggers are suicide, infertility, cheating, and divorce, but all of these tough topics were handled with great care. I really enjoyed the dry humor sprinkled throughout the story.

I'm delighted to have discovered this author, and plan to read her other books. I learned that she is a creative writing professor, which made me wonder if the character of Phoebe is a lot like Alison Espach.

Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Company for an advance copy of this book.

Visiting the ocean, in particular the beachfront Cornwall Inn in Rhode Island, has been on Professor Phoebe Stone’s bucket list for a good while. As she descends into depression after she accepts she can never have children and after her husband divorces her and moves in with another of their colleagues and after another year of not being placed on tenure track in at the St. Louis college where they teach and after the dog she and her husband had throughout their marriage dies, she decides to indulge herself and books an expensive one-night stay in the best suite and commit suicide while she is there. The main action of the book takes place thereafter, over the course of a week. Phoebe arrives and discovers she is the only guest who is not part of a week-long wedding extravaganza. When she finds herself in the elevator with the intended bride, Lila, a self-centered princess, demands to know why she is there if she is not a guest of either side and Phoebe tells her she plans to kill herself. Lila is horrified that someone would do something to ruin her whole wedding event and ultimately spends hours and hours talking to Phoebe, telling her she will pay for her to stay for the rest of the week—as long as Phoebe doesn’t kill herself until after Lila and Gary’s wedding. Freed from all the constraints of her life back home, Phoebe finds she can be completely candid with these strangers, and they all become drawn to her. That is as much of the plot as I dare reveal; I was sucked in to the story almost from the first page, and the writing was full of keen insights on a variety of topics like infertility, divorce, job frustration, grief, and infidelity. There is also plenty of humor in the story to break up the heavy topics. In the end, both Lila and Phoebe make brave choices to take control of the direction of their lives going forward. If I had any criticism, I felt a part of the plot was predictable, but it did not impede my enjoyment.

Thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Co., and Ms. Espach for making this ARC available to me. The book is scheduled to be published on July 30, 2024.