Wedding Planner Kate Ludlow is back with her fun circle of small-town New England friends. Life is clipping along well for Kate. Her wedding season is off to a great start; she has reconnected with her former high school boyfriend, and her teen daughter is happy and looking forward to a fun summer. At the town’s traditional kick-off to summer party, “Strawberry Moon,” Jack Malone, the town’s parodical son, surprises the population with his appearance. He’s the best baseball player the whole of New England has ever produced, and he now plays professional baseball in Los Angeles. He hasn’t been home in years but has returned home to marry a local girl. He taps Kate to be his wedding planner, and she couldn’t be happier; what a boon this will be for her business!

Jack reconnects with old friends and apparently old enemies, too, as his body is found in the Connecticut River on his third day home. Jack’s high school girlfriend and Kate’s best friend, Jen, is the prime suspect. She can’t or won’t give an alibi for the time of Jack’s death. But she’s not the only person who looks guilty. A new business partner has come to Eastbury looking for Jack, claiming Jack cheated him in a business deal gone wrong. Then there’s the high school rival who lost everything in a decade’s old confrontation with Jack. The state police leading the investigation into Jack’s death feel certain Jen is their killer, so Kate has to act. If Jen won’t help herself, Kate will have to step in to save her, but this won’t help her fledgling relationship with her old/new love, Brian, who is Eastbury’s lead detective.

Love it. Will recommend to others.

Genre:
Women’s Fiction
Cozy Mystery
Contemporary Fiction
Tropes & Themes:
Wedding Planner
Small Town New England Setting
Amateur Sleuth
Easily Overheard Conversations
Romantic Subplot
“Off-Stage” Murder Mystery
Clothing Concealed Injury / DV
Red Herrings
Single Mom of Teenager / Healthy Co-Parenting with Ex-Husband
Hometown Hero / Professional Ball Player

Thank you Mary Karnes and Netgalley

“I looked over my shoulder. Oh… my… stars. It was Jack O’Malley in the flesh. Jen’s Jack with a tiny blond on his arm. Jen, my best friend from forever; Jen, who was the owner of our town’s coffee shop, ‘The Perk.’ And Jack, well, he was the best athlete the entire of New England had ever put out. He was the hottest MLB player on the field these days, despite his rather advanced age for a ball player, and he had come home. I can’t remember the last time I had seen him. I had heard that he came to see his family who still lived here, but he didn’t catch up with anyone else, except maybe Brian. It was as if he was too good for the rest of us.”

Save The Fate, a Wedding Planner Mystery book 2, by Mary Karnes, is a light-hearted, cozy women’s fiction novel with an (off-page) murder mystery, a wedding planner turned amateur sleuth, and red herrings galore to keep the reader guessing through the last chapters.

Wedding Planner and single mom Kate Ludlow is overjoyed when an old friend, MLB player Jack, surprises everyone with a return visit home, showing up unexpectedly at the Strawberry Moon Festival with his (newly-pregnant) Fiancé, Megan, and later asking Kate to be their wedding event coordinator. This excitement is short-lived, panic momentarily settling in, when Kate learns they wish to be married in one week. However, Kate, is up to the task, suggesting some commonsense solutions to appeal to the couples’ “sensible” side. A date is set, but unfortunately, someone ensures the couple never exchange vows.

There is a lot to like about Save The Fate, including a backdrop of beautiful weddings in Connecticut, and Kate’s meticulous event planning. This included fun tips at the heading of each chapter, such as if there’s a chance of rain, have clear umbrellas available for guests, which I found charming. The victim, while portrayed as a hometown hero, was unlikable enough for the reader to be suspicious of multiple suspects. The men in Kate’s life, including her ex-husband; a lawyer with a possible crush on her; and her Detective boyfriend, Brian, raised the stakes further.

And let’s not forget her best friend Jen, Jack’s ex, who has been less than forthcoming and is suspect number one in Brian’s eyes. Kate’s motive to prove her best friend innocent conflicted with Brian’s, and because of this, their relationship was tense and strained.

Karnes knocked the notion of the typical amateur sleuth and detective romantic duo trope out of the park like a baseball, by pitting the two against one another like opposing teams. I can’t complain, because I wasn’t impressed by Brian and wouldn’t have liked him in the role of the MMC. He’s unreasonable, insecure, and completely out-of-line with his expectations regarding Kate’s ability to successfully co-parent with her ex. Having not read the first book, I’m guessing there is some backstory that I’m not aware of — same with the lawyer friend that possibly had a thing for Kate. Still, it was unique reading a cozy mystery that was more “category” women’s fiction, than it was romance, because other than the weddings she plans, there is no romance in her life.

The language used by the protagonist, specifically the frequency of the phrase “oh my stars” wasn’t reflective of the region, nor the contemporary, post-pandemic setting. I understand that cozy mysteries are meant to be light, with clean language but the ancient, southern dialogue wasn’t believable for a young woman from CT. A simple “oh my goodness” would have been far less jarring for me.

Kate Ludlow is described as having extra weight herself and I was surprised that she suggested to a slender bride that her reception would be better at a later time, when she was less notably pregnant (even though she was hardly showing)… dress fitting wise. I was almost offended by this suggestion, even if appealing to the bride’s vanity made the timeline smoother for herself as a wedding planner. I probably wouldn’t have thought twice about it, until Kate ponders further on in the story about how unfortunate it is that women are expected to fit a certain size to be worthy of a stunning dress, which is essentially what she directly told a client.

I wonder if I had read the first installment, and had further backstory, if some of the things that made me go hmm? would have been clearer to me. Because of this, I rounded my rating up to 4 because what I do like about this novel supercedes what I dislike/misunderstand.

I was second-guessing myself throughout the clever mystery and when the culprit was unveiled like a bride, I was shocked! I love a good mystery that keeps me wondering, and Save The Fate, A Wedding Planner Mystery, was a delightful read that I would recommend.

This book is crazy! It was a lot going on at once so that felt a bit overdone and hard to follow. I think the mystery aspect was pretty predictable which also took away from the book for me. I was able to guess very early on what was happening.

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

#SavetheFate #NetGalley is a fun, light cozy mystery that I enjoyed reading.
Kate's wedding planning business is off to a strong start, and she's even more excited that she's asked to help plan baseball star Jack Malone's wedding.
His murder shocks their small town and Kate finds herself involved in the investigation, since her best friend is the prime suspect.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

SAVE THE FATE is the second book in the Wedding Planner Mysteries by Mary Karnes. This newest release combines a seasoned professional wedding planner (protagonist Kate Ludlow) with a twisty tale of deceit, a thought-provoking look at domestic violence (which is sensitively handled), loyalty to friends, and a well-plotted murder to solve. Ms. Karnes deftly weaves scenes of the wedding planning business into Kate’s ‘investigation’ into who killed the local baseball player turned famously professional, without slowing down the pace. I enjoyed she uses each scene to move the plot forward, and clues spring up to keep the armchair detective actively involved. When Kate’s best friend, Jen, becomes the prime suspect, Kate knows her friend is innocent… except Jen won’t provide an alibi and then she disappears as the police search for her. A bit of humor is introduced via Kate having to team up with her high school frenemy to find answers, and what Kate will put up with to help her best friend. With the story’s progression, I found myself turning pages faster and faster, and as Kate took a few risks, I found myself on the edge of my seat until the conclusion.

A bonus included with this delightful cozy mystery is the inclusion of wedding tips at the beginning of each chapter. Even if you, or someone you know, aren’t planning a wedding, some of the tips are beneficial for any type of party.

Really enjoyed this! Loved the pacing, the character development and the plot! Definitely will be reading more of Mary Karnes books.

Mary Karnes, this book will forever be on my heart. I can not get over how absolutely darling this was, a week later! I can not even begin to explain how charming the setting was, realistic the main character was, and how I felt like I was so engulfed with this story from chapter one. I couldn't put it down and I did not want this to end. I can not wait to read more books by you. You have a gift for writing.

Book Review: Save the Fate: A Wedding Planner Mystery by Mary Karnes

Mary Karnes crafts a captivating blend of mystery, small-town drama, and romance in Save the Fate: A Wedding Planner Mystery. Set in the quaint town of Eastbury, New England, the novel features Kate Ludlow, a charming and determined wedding planner who finds herself drawn into a web of intrigue when a local hero is found dead. The book offers readers an engaging whodunit wrapped in the warm, relatable world of a close-knit community.

Plot Overview
The story opens with Kate Ludlow enjoying the early promise of a thriving wedding season. With a bustling business, a rekindled romance with her former high school sweetheart Brian, and her teenage daughter settling into a summer of possibilities, life seems to be on an upward swing for Kate. The town’s annual “Strawberry Moon” party sets the scene for what should be a season of celebration. Yet, when Jack Malone, a celebrated hometown baseball star, unexpectedly returns, it becomes clear that not everything is as idyllic as it appears.

Jack, now a professional player in Los Angeles, plans to marry a local girl and enlists Kate as his wedding planner—a potential game-changer for her career. However, his homecoming is cut short when his body is discovered in the Connecticut River just days later, casting a shadow over the summer festivities. Jack’s murder shocks the town and sets in motion a series of events that push Kate to use her skills for sleuthing instead of wedding arrangements. Her best friend Jen, who once dated Jack, quickly becomes the prime suspect, especially since she has no alibi and seems unwilling to defend herself.

Yet, as Kate digs deeper, she uncovers a web of secrets and grudges surrounding Jack’s return. There’s a new business partner claiming Jack swindled him in a failed deal, and a high school rival who never forgave Jack for an old betrayal. The small town of Eastbury hides more than just picturesque scenery; it conceals a host of potential motives and suspects, each with their own reason to want Jack out of the picture.

Character Dynamics
Mary Karnes excels in creating vivid, relatable characters whose dynamics are as intricate as the mystery itself. At the heart of the story is Kate, a protagonist who is both capable and vulnerable. Her role as a wedding planner adds a unique twist to the traditional amateur detective, as her job requires her to observe and manage emotions—skills that prove just as useful in solving a murder. Kate’s determination to clear Jen’s name is driven not only by friendship but also by a strong sense of justice, even if it puts her at odds with Brian, her rekindled love interest.

Brian, Eastbury’s lead detective, is caught between his professional duty and his feelings for Kate. The tension between their personal and professional lives adds an extra layer of complexity to the investigation, making their interactions tense yet compelling. Meanwhile, Jen’s reluctance to clear her name hints at deeper secrets, keeping readers guessing about her true involvement.

The secondary characters bring depth to the story, from the suspicious business partner with a grudge to the bitter high school rival. Each of them is fleshed out with enough detail to make their motivations and potential guilt plausible, ensuring that the mystery maintains its suspense throughout. Even the idyllic town of Eastbury itself becomes a character in the story, with its traditions and gossip adding both charm and complexity to the unfolding drama.

Themes and Atmosphere
Save the Fate explores themes of loyalty, the pull of the past, and the complexities of small-town life. Karnes masterfully captures the atmosphere of a town where everyone knows each other’s history, and where secrets never stay buried for long. The tension between nostalgia and unresolved grudges plays a central role, as characters grapple with their pasts even as they try to shape their futures.

The novel balances this tension with moments of warmth, particularly in scenes involving Kate’s interactions with her daughter and friends. These glimpses into her life outside the mystery provide welcome relief from the more suspenseful plot points, offering readers a chance to connect with Kate on a personal level.

Mystery and Pacing
The mystery itself is well-constructed, with enough twists and red herrings to keep even seasoned mystery readers engaged. Karnes deftly navigates the complexities of the case, revealing clues at a pace that maintains suspense without feeling rushed. The stakes rise steadily as Kate’s investigation deepens, and the pressure builds with each new revelation. The multiple suspects with their intertwined motives keep readers guessing until the very end.

The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with action scenes interspersed with moments of introspection and character development. Karnes knows when to linger on a detail and when to drive the plot forward, ensuring that the story never feels bogged down by unnecessary exposition.

Style and Writing
Karnes’ writing style is approachable and vivid, making it easy to slip into the world of Eastbury. Her descriptions of the town’s charm and the dynamics of small-town life lend a sense of authenticity to the story. The dialogue is natural and often laced with humor, adding a touch of lightness to the darker elements of the plot.

Karnes also has a knack for creating tension between characters, particularly in scenes between Kate and Brian, where their professional responsibilities clash with their personal feelings. This emotional undercurrent enriches the narrative, giving the mystery a more personal dimension that goes beyond simply solving a crime.

Final Verdict
Save the Fate: A Wedding Planner Mystery is a delightful addition to the cozy mystery genre, offering a compelling blend of suspense, romance, and small-town charm. Mary Karnes has crafted a story that keeps readers engaged with its intriguing plot, well-drawn characters, and richly described setting. While the book will especially appeal to fans of cozy mysteries, its exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the weight of past choices gives it a broader emotional appeal.

Readers looking for a mystery that combines the warmth of community with the thrill of an unsolved murder will find much to enjoy in this novel. With a likable protagonist in Kate Ludlow and a story that keeps you guessing until the last page, Save the Fate is a satisfying read that delivers both heart and intrigue. Whether you’re a fan of wedding stories, amateur sleuths, or simply a well-crafted mystery, Mary Karnes’ latest book is a must-read.

This is a cosy mystery murder story which I love reading, especially during the autumn months.

I was hooked from the start as we get to murder element pretty quickly but found there were almost too many characters and sub plots going on to fully enjoy this. The writing style kept me interested and had a good flow.. I enjoyed the back and forth between the MFC and her daughter and the wedding tips but overall it felt rushed at times. It could have also been improved with stronger plot twists that would have made the overall story more gripping.

Overall an enjoyable cosy mystery read.

Save the Fate: A Wedding Planner Mystery" by Mary Karnes offers a unique blend of wedding-themed chaos and cozy mystery fun. This book is certainly a fun read. We find protagonist Katie once again embroiled in drama, this time trying to clear her best friend Jen of a murder charge. The book weaves wedding planner tips into a plot filled with twists and red herrings, with enough emotional moments to keep readers hooked. However, I felt that the abundance of characters and sometimes convoluted plot can be overwhelming at times, slightly detracting from the pacing. Still, the frenemy banter and unexpected alliances bring humor and lightness to this otherwise tension-filled mystery. A solid read for fans of cozy mysteries.