I loved this book. The characters were well written, I really liked the plot. The character of Phoebe was written very well to portray how someone dealing with depression and then having so many major life changes could react to them all piling up on her. I enjoyed Lila coming in and sort of taking over for Phoebe and forcing her to live her life.

I had to deduct a star for Phoebe's behavior when her ex-husband Matt showed up. I felt like her character growth just disappeared and the whole thing felt like a major ick.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was fantastic. She gets 5 stars.

What happens when you show up to your hotel for a special trip and everyone else is there for a wedding? What happens when you just want to mind your business, but the bride is convinced you're going to ruin her big event?

An unusual take on found family and the trajectory life, I loved this story. The characters and setting were great, as well as the narration.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for a free copy of #TheWeddingPeople by Alison Espach. All opinions are my own.

When Phoebe Stone arrives at the Cornwall Inn, she is the only person in the hotel who is not there for the wedding. She’s there to commit suicide after her marriage ends and she feels she has nothing else to live for.

Lila, the bride, has thought of every detail but did not account for Phoebe being at the hotel. She figures out what Phoebe is there to do and Lila will NOT let it happen. Soon, Phoebe is joining in on the weeklong festivities and readers get to learn about Lila’s motivations too. This funny, poignant novel about the people we meet along the path of life is sure to be a hit.

Trigger Warnings
Suicide Attempt, Infertility

Why Kirsten loves it
I love it handled anxiety, depression, and the ending of a relationship. It reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians because of the over-the-top wedding vibes. There is so much to discuss in this one that I think it’s perfect for book clubs.

I loved this premise so much! Phoebe gets caught up in the festivities of the extravagant wedding that is taking place when she visits the Cornwall. The events and connections after that are fantastic.

What worked for me:
- A main character that I absolutely loved! I loved Phoebe's snark and brutal honesty about what was going on in her life and her observations of what's going on in other's lives. I loved how she spoke her mind and how she connected with the wedding people.
- Side characters - although the side characters weren't always as lovable as Phoebe, I still liked them and appreciated their perspectives on life.
- This plot was amazing and it was so different from anything I've read before. I truly enjoyed it all the way through. It moved along at a reasonable pace and it was believable and real.
- Writing that made me both laugh and sometimes tear up.

What didn't work for me:
-Nothing

5 Fantastic Stars! Will probably be one of my Top 10 favorites of the year.

I was excited to start this since I noticed this title being the August 2024 read for many book clubs, including Read With Jenna. I love Helen Laser’s narration and Alison Espach’s writing. Espach tells this story beautifully in such a way that is so relatable and humorous to readers. I don’t think it matters who you are, there’s at least one character you can relate to in this novel. I became so invested, it’s hard for me to believe the characters aren’t real. The setting at the Cornwall Inn is so miraculous and so magical, I wish I could go and visit myself.

This is such an enjoyable summer/ warm holiday read. I highly recommend you squeeze this one in before the fall (you still have until September 22th). This is a beautiful story about life, being honest with oneself, what it means to be happy and how life can sometimes take a turn and change your life forever. This is one of my favourite reads for 2024 and I’m looking forward to when this one comes to screen.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for a copy of this ALC.

This book was fantastic. It addressed mental health, love, relationships, loss, family, and felt so real. I was swept up into the idea of falling in love with someone forbidden but also realizing that maybe that was the love that was supposed to happen. There were parts that seemed exactly like I thought it would happen and others that were a true surprise. The characters were dynamic and lovable.

What an unexpected surprise!

A few weeks ago, this book was completely off my radar, but after seeing glowing reviews and its selection as a #ReadWithJenna pick, I knew I had to get it. What I didn’t realize, though, was just how much I truly needed it.

This story was beautifully brilliant.

The unapologetic rawness of this book, combined with its hilariously heartfelt moments, will deeply resonate with and touch everyone.

Espach delves into how finding purpose at just the right moment and experiencing chance encounters emphasize that timing truly is everything.

Words can’t do it justice and I encourage you to go in as blind as possible. This is one you don’t want to miss!

4.5 stars rounded to 5 for Goodreads

I don’t really get the hype on this one. The story was overall fake and forced to me. I wanted to know more about phone and less about the rich bride. Her narrative took away from the story and I had no sympathy for her.

I read this book in the middle of a reading slump, and I still loved it. It was literally the only thing I could read for days. I loved the characters in this book, and I loved the setting. While the beginning was a bit dark, I quickly became so invested in Phoebe's journey. I loved how everything played out in this book - it felt exactly right. Excellently narrated on audio by Helen Laser.

The Wedding People was a surprise! While I expected a light, quick read I got a heartfelt and thought provoking story. Phoebe Stone is in New England to finally stay at the hotel she’s been waiting years for but her plans are changed when she realizes she’s the only guest at the hotel that isn’t there for the wedding of Lila and Gary. This book is about life, expectations, feeling seen and understood, and finding the people who love you.

A surprise and a delight! Don’t miss this one - thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC!

After reading Allison Espach’s debut I was looking forward to what would be next. This totally held up to my expectations. I loved the plot, the friendships, the emotion. Perfection!
The narration was exactly what this book needed, too. Her intonations were immaculate and depth of emotion really came through.
Looking forward to her next one!

I was SUPER excited to read/listen to this book and I must say, it missed the mark for me. First of all, I need to start by saying that this book should have a major trigger warning on it and it didn’t. I finally found warnings in friend’s reviews. Anyways, take caution before picking this one up. Overall, the plot had a lot of promise but I personally did not feel very connected to the characters.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this audiobook!

I loved this book! It was clever and sweet and had brilliant character development. I was hooked right away and it never lost me.

Yeah, so, I kind of loved that. Netgally has a character minimum so here I am meeting that, having already said everything i wished to.

Surprisingly for a book that starts out with someone wanting to harm themselves this book was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it from start to finish. I could really empathize with Phoebe (not with the suicidal tendencies, but that she finds herself post divorce in a weird limbo where she doesn't really recognize who she's become) She has a job that she doesn't love where she has to see her ex thriving, loses her cat and doesn't have anything to look forward to, so she plans to go on an extravagant trip and kill herself. When she arrives at the hotel she realizes that everyone is there for a wedding and after meeting the bride to be she is suddenly becomes part of the wedding chaos. The cast of characters is a strange bunch of people but that made it fun. I wish there could have been a different guy to grab her attention but I know that it was necessary for the plot. In the end this one will stick with me for a bit. There are some heavy topics that are broached but in a way that was palatable and even enjoyable. I think a lot of people will enjoy this one and probably that's why I've seen it recommended by lots of people.

I was so excited about this book but couldn't finish it - too vulgar and that's just not my jam. DNF about 35% in.

Wow! The hype is real! After listening, I immediately said this might be my favorite book of the year. A week later, I still have that same thought.

I listened to Notes On Your Sudden Disappearance a couple of summers ago and found it a compelling exploration of grief and its non-linear healing process. Espach's writing skillfully balances the weighty subject matter with humor and lightness, making the story impactful and accessible.

And she does that again with The Wedding People. Now, after two books, I can safely say her writing is remarkably readable, easy yet thought-provoking, and sad yet funny. It's simply incredible, and now she's an autobuy author for me!

In The Wedding People, Phoebe’s depression is triggered by grief. She grieves for her baby (infertility and miscarriage), her marriage, her cat, and ultimately her own happiness. Espach captures the darkness, “stuckness,” and the ease and comfort of staying in your depression so well. But she also shows that it only takes one person to give someone a reason to be part of something - to be seen.

As Phoebe encounters all the wedding people, each moment offers a light of second chances, hope, and new beginnings. It is a reminder that everyone can do hard things and proof that even fleeting connections with other people can be meaningful and purposeful.

Helen Laser’s narration is simply superb! She highlights Espach's words with care, grace, and humanity while hitting the perfectly timed comedic moments. The book includes a large cast of characters, which Laser easily performed. I highly recommend this format!

The Wedding People invites us to the grand Cornwall Inn in Newport, Rhode Island. Phoebe Stone, mistaken for a wedding guest, is actually the sole visitor not here for the event. Her unexpected connections with other women unfold in uproarious and tender moments. Espach’s novel deftly explores winding paths and serendipitous reroutings. The 4-star rating reflects occasional pacing hiccups, but the journey is worth it.

This is the perfect blend of real feelings, sad, scary ones, and the humor! This shows the deep connection that exists among humans, even when we feel alone the most! I love the audiobook and story so much, I’ll be purchasing the book for sure!

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this audiobook. I loved it so much. To me it was the perfect book.

Phoebe spontaneously books a solo getaway at an outrageously expensive upscale hotel. She’s dreamed of a trip like this forever. She’s fleeing her life back home that is falling to pieces. It turns out a million dollar wedding is booked the same week and the bride specifically requested that only wedding guests stay in the hotel. The bride is unhinged and worried that Phoebe will ruin her perfect wedding week.

This book is hilarious and charming. I loved the characters and could honestly relate to them so much. The book is about what you do when your life is falling apart. You have to pick yourself up and move on. Phoebe says sadness is like sitting in snow. You sit down and get comfortable and then it’s hard to get up. Before too long you are at risk of frost bite. You have to learn when it’s time to get up yourself and go inside. Becoming the person that you want to be is like anything else. It takes practice.

I loved this book so much and hope that you do too.

Thank you to netgalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook!