The wedding people was a great book, it really kept my interest and had a really great ending. Alison Espach really does a good job with bringing not only romance into this book but also other aspects as well which makes for an interesting read.

It took me a while to get into this book but after it stuck with me just how much I loved it. It was so honest. It isn't my normal style of book that I enjoy but there was something about the vulnerability of really telling it like it is with out sugar coating the characters. I appreciated it.

Totally my favorite kind of book - tackling bleak subjects with humor and pathos and even a little romance. For fans of Catherine Newman and maybe even Emily Henry.

I wanted to read this book because it had wedding in the title and takes place in Newport RI, one of my favorite places. Actually the book was not really about the wedding and while Newport is the backdrop could have taken place anywhere there are REALLY fancy hotels. It is a book about characters, love, loss and how are lives are and can they be changed. Phoebe is a great character--she starts out as a dismal character, but at the end of the book--not the end of the story (that is left to the reader), she is a true heroine, fixing everyone's problems, especially her own. I hate to say this, but this book would make a great movie. If you loved the Philadelphia story (the play or the movie) you will like this book.

In the novel, "The Wedding People," Phoebe Stone flees her drab existence as an adjunct professor in St. Louis: "Phoebe wasn't beloved by her department. She wasn't hated but she wasn't a star---" only to arrive at the Cornwall Inn in Newport, Rhode Island inadvertently during someone's lavish, week-long wedding celebration.

She finds herself thrown into the festivities and develops friendships with the prospective bride, Lila, and groom, Gary, a widower with a teenage daughter, Juice.

"You'll be okay." Phoebe tells Juice. "I know you don't believe that now. But you will."
"How do you know though?"
"Because I didn't have a mother, either."

Alison Espach has written a touching, funny, and altogether heartwarming story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Company for the ARC of "The Wedding People."

This one was definitely a roller coaster. Tw: suicide and infertility.

I want to say thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this arc.

I will say I almost DNF this book at 20%. I found the characters to be extremely unlikeable and the topics very dark/some cliche tropes with the characters not taking accountability for their own agency in life and the plot to be slightly unbelievable. I did manage to power through it and liked it better at the end which is why I landed on 3 stars.

There was nice character evolution and it felt like I was reading a different story the second half. There were predictable moments but also some nice messages strewn throughout.

"Wedding People" by Alison Espach is an absolute gem! This book is a delightful blend of romance, drama, and humor, making it an irresistible page-turner from start to finish.

From the very first page, the author's writing style effortlessly draws you into the lives of the characters, making them feel like old friends. Each character is beautifully developed, with their own unique quirks and backstories that add depth and authenticity to the narrative.

What sets Wedding People apart from other books in the genre is its ability to balance multiple storylines seamlessly. The author skillfully weaves together various plot threads, creating a tapestry of emotions that keeps readers engaged and invested throughout. The pacing is perfect, with just the right amount of suspense and surprises to keep you eagerly turning the pages.

Wedding People explores deeper themes beyond the glitz and glamour of weddings. It delves into the complexities of relationships, the power of love, and the importance of following one's heart. The book beautifully captures the emotional rollercoaster that weddings can be, highlighting the joy, stress, and unexpected twists that come with planning such a momentous event.

In conclusion, "Wedding People" is an absolute must-read for anyone who enjoys heartwarming stories filled with love, laughter, and a touch of drama. Highly recommended!

Thank you NetGalley and Alison Espach for the ARC copy of Wedding People.

Wow, this one really tugged at my heart. I loved it. Thank you netgalley & the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

It has been a long time since I came across a book I truly could not put down and this one broke that streak. Author Alison Espach grabs your attention from the very beginning and slowly, deftly introduces you to the characters that make up "The Wedding People."

Protagonist Phoebe is set on ending her life, but an unending sequence of events puts a halt to those plans, in the most inventive way possible.

I wish I could read this for the first time again!

I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read.


Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was advertised as uproariously funny and devastatingly tender. I did not know what I was in for. It is the bleakest and most hopeful book I have read this year. I thought I was getting a Beach Read™ and ended up with Literary Fiction™. It’s set at a beach resort. There’s a wedding. Neither of these statements gets close to the heart of what this book is about. However, I couldn’t tell you much more without spoilers. This one comes out in July. I definitely recommend, but don’t read it on the beach.

Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for this ARC.

I thought I was going to be reading a romance, but this book went beyond my expectations. Right away I was invested into Phoebe's life. Phoebe was going through a major yet heartbreaking life change and needed an escape. In her mind that escape was to commit suicide. Thankfully, she meets the bride of the wedding and others from the wedding party when she checks into the hotel. I won't say anything else other than this is a must read for anyone who is going through a rough time in their life there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you so much to Henry Holt & Co and NetGalley.

This was such a wonderful read.

CW: Suicide & infertility

Phoebe is going to kill herself. Her husband has left her. She has had several failed IVF cycles. Her job sucks, and it's where her husband and his new woman (her former friend) work. She flies to a place she has never been and stays at an inn. This is where Lila is having her wedding. The other guests at the inn are for her wedding. Lila cannot have a death ruin her wedding.

What follows is a story where Lila and Phoebe both learn about themselves. They both are faced with decisions that will impact them and need to figure out what they want. They'll learn about themselves, together, along the way.

I was eager to read The Wedding People because I absolutely loved Alison Espach's last book, Notes From Your Sudden Disappearance. But a few chapters in, I was feeling increasingly skeptical that it would be comparable - it seemed shallower and more plot-driven, where I was craving depth and character growth. Reader, I was wrong :-) The humanity and emotional resonance that draws me to Espach's writing is just as present here - so much so that when I finished, I scrolled right back to Chapter 1 to begin again.

On reflection, I'd position The Wedding People much closer to, say, Anxious People by Fredrik Backman than to Notes From Your Sudden Disappearance, but 1) I loved Anxious People! and 2) that's by no means a criticism - frankly, I'm impressed by Espach's range. The Wedding People is fun and lighthearted and amusing AND nuanced and deep and tender, and that's a unicorn of a literary combination. An easy five-star read for me - and a good, gentle reminder to myself as a reader not to judge a book too quickly!

Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co for an ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

I enjoyed this! Yes, it’s predictable but I enjoyed the unique journey that the story took to get there. I think this will be popular when released next Summer.

"She is so good at predicting what will happen in books, so bad at predicting what will happen in life. That is why she has always preferred books - because to be alive is much harder." - Alison Espach, "The Wedding People"

"The Wedding People" by Alison Espach is a delightful contemporary fiction tale that, for me, mirrors the uplifting spirit of beloved movies like The Holiday and P.S. I Love You. Espach effortlessly blends lighthearted humor, romance, and fun banter with underlying themes that explores life's dificulties. The story unfolds in the picturesque setting of Newport, Rhode Island, where Phoebe Stone finds herself mistakenly embraced as an unexpected wedding guest at the grand Cornwall Inn. Utterly alone, Phoebe embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery.

Alison Espach's knack for phenomenal character development shines through in this messy family drama. The flawed yet relatable Phoebe and a cast of intriguing characters add depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a rare gem in the realm of lighthearted novels. The pacing of the story is impeccable, maintaining a delightful flow that propels readers forward with each page turn. An early reveal in the novel had turning the pages to see what happened next.

Espach's writing style is a standout feature, characterized by lovely and accessible prose. The dialogue, in particular, contributes to the book's overall charm. The artistry of the story is most fantastic. “The Wedding People” expertly navigates the intricate world of weddings which is what attracted me to this novel in the first place as I work in the wedding industry. The narrative not only entertains with its humor and romance but also delivers a meaningful exploration of unexpected encounters and the potential for new beginnings. It's a captivating story that I think will be on the top of many peoples favorite romance novels of 2024.

Emotionally resonant, "The Wedding People" elicits a full spectrum of feelings. Empathy for characters grappling with trauma and heartbreak coexists with a sense of hopefulness. The beautifully written conclusion, though not overtly sad, leaves a lasting impact and had me in literal tears, a testament to Espach's ability to craft a narrative that emotionally connects with readers.

SPOILER ALERT: This novel explores sensitive topics like suicide, infertility, cancer, death of a spouse, and infidelity.

Altogether, "The Wedding People" is an absolute gem that offers a vibrant and emotionally resonant experience, making it a must-read for those seeking a captivating contemporary fiction read. In recommendations, "The Wedding People" finds its place within women's fiction, appealing to those who already appreciate the genre of romantic comedies and dramas. As for constructive criticism, none applies; the book delivers precisely what it sets out to achieve, earning it a well-deserved 5-star rating.

I thoroughly enjoyed observing Phoebe’s transformation as she realizes how much of her life has been driven by ignoring her authentic self and accommodating others. The juxtaposition of Phoebe and Lila, the bride, moved the story along and kept me engaged as each discovers how different their life circumstances are, and yet they both support each other in open and honest communication.

Overall, this was a very satisfying read that also left me wanting more.

WOW. This book was phenomenal. FIRST OFF: Big trigger warning for suicide and infertility. If that is not something you want to read about, this book is not for you.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review :)

TL;DR: Great book about learning how to live truly and deeply. Messy families abound! And life does not end when a relationship does.

Phoebe is going through a crisis, her depression has gotten overwhelming and her life is a mess. What better place to end it all than at the fanciest hotel she could find? Due to a booking error, she is there at the same time as a huge fancy wedding! The bride is determined for everything to go perfectly and that includes Pheobe not taking her own life. This book tackles hard subjects and does it well in my opinion. You truly feel the desperation and sadness she feels and the confusing feelings that come after the sadness.

This book was also fun! If you like messy family drama that doesn't affect your real life, this book is FULL of complicated relationships and gossipy messy moments. The serious exploration of what it means to live truly is married (pardon my pun) beautifully to the reality of living with other people. The characters felt like real people with secrets and conflicts. Side note, the few children that were in this book were written well! They sounded like real children talking, some books don't do that well.

All in all, this book is a triumph. I will be purchasing a physical copy upon release, I NEED this on my bookshelf!

Wow! What a wonderful story of life. Life happens. Things happen. Your life changes. You move on. Main character Phoebe is in the midst of her own private turmoil when she stumbles into the drama surrounding strangers’ lives. What ensues is unexpected and realistic, mingling all of these characters together in the course of one week. Together, these strangers become friends and their lives change course, which is not always a bad thing. In the matter of The Wedding People, it’s definitely a good thing creating a very good, entertaining and enjoyable book.

I absolutely loved every moment of this book. I found myself stalling when I knew the end was getting close because I didn’t want it to be over.

Phoebe’s whole life has been upended and she’s decided to take matters into her own hands by checking a hotel and ending it all with suicide.

But then she meets the wedding people and they save her life and change it forever.

This book deals with the very heavy life topics of divorce and suicide in a very realistic and tender way and was easily a favorite read of the year for me.