I wasn't sure how Espach could possibly top how much I loved Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance, but she did. Told in her trademark, witty and sardonic tone and full of complex characters you can't help but care for, The Wedding People is a 5-star read! It's skillful handling of emotionally deep but relatable topics of depression, love, and life's chance encounters make it one heck of a memorable read.

4.5/5 ⭐️ - Thank you to NetGalley & Henry Holt & Co. for the ARC!

Goodness gracious, this book packed such an unexpected emotional punch! Be warned, there is definitely dark subject matter (see trigger warnings), but also such lovely emotional connection, dark humor, and what I feel is a really beautifully written description of the human experience through good and bad. The Wedding People is a heavily character-driven story, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute with each character.

I loved this book. A great book about the turns and twists life can take you on when often your lowest moment can turn into complete triumph. I loved the setting of this book and all of the wedding intrigue. Kept me thoroughly engaged.

I unfortunately did not get the hype around this book. I was expecting a light rom com. It is filled with dark topics and some wit but just could not get into it. Also the chapters are super long and made the book drag on. Most likely would have been a DNF if not been an ARC.

Thank you to the publisher for my copy via Netgalley!

I read NOTES ON YOUR SUDDEN DISAPPEARANCE by the same author and absolutely loved it. The book was dark, gritty, and well delivered. I was so excited to see that she came out with this one, and went into it knowing that it would also probably be pretty dark and sad - but I was okay with that, and ready to dive in.

This story was described online as heartwarming and humorous, though - and in my opinion, it was neither of those things. I let out 0 chuckles and I was so frustrated by the end that I wanted all my time back that I spent reading it.

Now that it’s behind me, I cannot believe the amount of time I wasted on this overly crass book. The storyline had SO MUCH PROMISE, but I was insanely distracted by the language throughout sounding like a teenage boy trying to impress his friend. There are words and phrases in this book that I haven’t heard since I was 15, and I would’ve preferred to keep it that way. The characters cursed like sailors, had almost no emotional depth to them, and all were pretty awful to one another.

The book is also chock full of trigger warnings, so I highly recommend researching those thoroughly before going in. The main ones I can think of are: infidelity, infertility, suicide, miscarriage, talk of a pandemic, grief, and death of a parent.

2 stars and an automatic delete off my kindle.

This book was entertaining from the first page to the last. Author Alison Espach demonstrated exceptional writing in this work and tackled many, MANY topics worth discussing (but I won't provide any spoilers!)

The premise is quite dark and worth a trigger warning (suicide ideation) but the author twists the outcome into a tale that captivates the attention entirely. I immediately became invested in the outcomes and did not want to put this book down until finding out how the story ends for this ensemble of characters (which, again, Alison managed effortlessly.)

Thankfully, I feel like this book doesn't fit a specific season and can be read at any time during the year!

Cannot wait to see what's next from Espach!

I loved this book! I wish I would have read it sooner. Fair warning that it does deal with suicide but I felt in a very authentic and realistic manner that many depressed people experience. I feel the book resonated more with me as I am also a professor in an area where "being stuck" seems to be part of the career. So a lot of the main character's thoughts seem familiar in her career choice, aspirations and hopes. Beyond that this story is warm, thoughtful, funny and likeable. You live a week in the life of wedding with one uninvited guest who is the many character. In that week, you experience family drama, humor and let two strangers help figure out what the other wants. I connected with the characters well and feel like I have known many people like these characters. This author understands how to describe a scene and give you the mood at the same time. I enjoyed the Gary storyline the most. How the author entices you to will the character to react is just smart writing. I will be telling everyone about this book and will definitely have it at the top of my reads for this year. Please take the time to read it.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach is such a fun and relatable read! It’s all about the craziness of weddings and relationships, with hilarious characters that feel so real. The book has a perfect mix of funny moments and more serious ones, and I found myself laughing out loud at some parts. Espach really knows how to show the awkward, messy parts of love and family, and it makes the story super engaging.

What I really liked is how it shocks you at the outset and then proceeds to go so much deeper than I expected it too. It’s really about figuring out who you are and what it means to be yourself. The writing is sharp and easy to get into, and even though it’s funny, there are some deeper messages about life that stick with you.

A unique story that delves into happiness being fluid and defined differently by everyone. Heavily character driven, the reader forms impressions of the wedding people and has the opportunity to change those opinions as we get longer looks at each of the players. Ultimately a positive story and a great reminder to live our own definition of happiness.

Awesome from beginning to end. I loved the writer’s pacing and the development of the main characters. There was the perfect amount of minor characters, too! I’ll be hoping for a sequel!

he Wedding People by Alison Espach is an exceptional exploration of grief, resilience, and the complexities of human connection that completely captivated me. From the very first pages, I was drawn into Phoebe Stone’s world—a woman at her lowest, contemplating suicide at a wedding she has no business attending. What unfolds is a powerful narrative that transforms despair into hope, and I couldn’t put it down.

Espach’s writing is raw and honest, delving into the depths of Phoebe’s struggles while simultaneously infusing humor into her story. This balance makes the book feel incredibly real and relatable, capturing the intricate tapestry of emotions that come with loss and the search for meaning. The way Phoebe navigates her feelings in the chaotic wedding setting is both poignant and surprisingly funny, highlighting the absurdities of life even in its darkest moments.

The narrative is layered, addressing a multitude of topics—from the expectations of society to the profound impact of love and loss. Each character Phoebe encounters adds depth to her journey, making her realization of what it truly means to live a gradual and enriching experience. Espach skillfully showcases how fleeting moments can lead to profound insights, reminding us that connection often comes from the most unexpected places.

Alternating between the book and the audio version enhanced my experience, as both formats brought Phoebe’s journey to life in unique ways. The audio narration captured the emotional nuances beautifully, allowing me to fully immerse myself in Phoebe's voice and perspective.

Ultimately, The Wedding People is a heartfelt and transformative read that left me feeling seen and understood. It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of finding oneself amidst chaos. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that is not only funny and engaging but also deeply moving and reflective. Alison Espach has crafted something truly special, and I can’t wait to revisit it!

Phoebe Stone arrives at the Cornwall Inn in Newport for a solo getaway…oh, and to end her life. Mistaken for a wedding guest, she meets the bride, who has planned for every detail of this weekend week, except Phoebe's unexpected presence. The two become fast friends and help one another in more ways than they thought possible. I started this book a bit unsure, thinking it was pretty dark- but by chapter 2, I was on a roll. While a bit far-fetched, it was a good storyline and what the author does is genius - totally worth picking up! Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others.

4.5 ⭐️- This book was AMAZING!!! I’ve seen many mixed reviews about it over the last couple of months and by the time I got to it on my TBR I couldn’t remember what it was about so I went into it blind. I was drawn in from the first sentence and I truly enjoyed nearly every minute.
Phoebe Stone arrives at the beautiful Cornwall Hotel in Newport, RI dressed to the nines and without any luggage. She’s there for one purpose and one purpose only. As she’s standing on line waiting to check in she notices all of the guests around her are apparently here for the same wedding. Phoebe meets the bride, Lila, in the elevator and suddenly each woman becomes the other one’s confidant. During the 6 days that lead up to the wedding Phoebe is brought into the folds of the wedding and she knows Lila has changed her life in ways she never thought possible.
I loved so much about this. While the book deals with heavy topics the humor that is strewn throughout is provides a fantastic buffer. The characters are quirky and fun and the depiction of the many facets of women’s friendships is spot on.
My one issue is quite small, but it’s actually quite large to me. So much so that I am docking this 1/2 of a star. The only words used to convey dialogue were “says” and “asks”. I have never understood how an author who is creative enough to write a book can’t find better words for their characters dialogue. I know this doesn’t pop out to everyone, but it pops out to me and irritates me to no end.
Despite that one pet peeve this is definitely one of the top books I’ve read this year because everything else about it is truly fantastic. Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for an advanced copy of this. I’m sorry it took me so long to get this to it. The Wedding People hit the shelves on July 30th.

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for the ARC of The Wedding People by Alison Espach.

This one took me a minute to get into. I put it down and came back to it and boy am I glad I did! When I say this book is funny, it had be laughing out loud MANY times. All while it discusses subjects that are often taboo or stigmatized. I will say, if suicide is a tough subject for you to read about, steer clear of this book. No suicide is completed, but it is a main theme.

As the description tells you, Phoebe shows up at the inn full of “the wedding people” and she and the bride, Lila, become confidants. To the point, that now Phoebe has gotten herself entangled in the wedding…in more ways than one. Phoebe also meets Gary and has an instant connection, on the heels of her divorce, but this may not be a good thing while at a wedding she wasn’t even invited to. And these moments just keep spiraling along with the laughs. An enjoyable and fun read.

As someone from Rhode Island and who got married this summer, I loved the connection I instantly felt to this book! I appreciated the POV of someone who was adjacent yet extremely involved in the wedding.

The beginning delivered quite the shock factor, but it quickly moved to a more humorous, satirical like tone. I loved the growth and layers to this book as well as the development and destruction of the many different relationships.

It made me laugh out loud, empathize, relate, and smile while reading. It was something serious, yet very unserious and I loved it.

This book was not for me. It was too intense and the story didn’t end a way that pulled it together enough for me.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach was a raw examination of life, love, infertility, identity and how sometimes life takes to where we need to be. I’m so glad I went into this one blind. I knew nothing about this book when I got an ARC, but the title and cover art pulled me in. It was just a joy to read.

I know a review is necessary, but oh I how I wish you could go into this one blind as I did. This book is so much more than it appears. This story is a richly layered, emotional journey that features broken characters that come together for a wedding. The main character, Pheobe, is the only guest at this ritzy Newport hotel that is not there for the wedding. Awkward! Little do the other guests know that she is there to commit suicide after her husband left her for another woman.

When the bride, Lila, learns that this random woman is going to “unalive” herself during her wedding WEEK, she is over the top obsessed that she does this act somewhere else. Lila and Pheobe are characters that you won’t soon forget. Honestly, all the minor characters were memorable as well. The dialogue was so on point and the honesty that people often feel when talking to a stranger made for great transparency between characters.

I’m already giving far too much away. Just read this one. Great contemporary fiction.

This is a book with mass appeal. A great pick for book clubs and will be a good choice for folks of all ages.

This book was so incredibly special.
At the beginning, I wasn't completely sold on the writing style, and was a little confused at the jump. But once it got going, I found that upon reflection, the writing made since. In the beginning, Phoebe didn't know any of the characters, so referring to them in ways that made sense to her started to make sense to me. We didn't really need names if she wasn't going to learn them organically, and I think that little detail was genius.
Diving more into it, I loved Phoebe. I felt like she was so relatable, so real, and honestly her voice was so strong. She was likeable, her problems were very real, and I felt like her story never got lost in the craziness of her being thrown into this situation.
The story felt well paced, everyone had strong personalities without being painful, and the story was overall very heartwarming.

Only reason for 4 stars was that while the story was interesting, it didn't keep me from putting it down and not RUSHING to pick it back up.