Hello to the book of the summer!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted copy. THE WEDDING PEOPLE what a raw, touching, funny, relatable story of two women who come together during pivotal moments in their life. This is my first by this author and it certainly won't be the last! I was hooked from the very beginning. I highly recommend!

TW: suicidal ideation, depression

4 stars

Look. I'm loudly precious about _Mrs. Dalloway_, so when I dive into a novel and there are immediately implicit and explicit references, I'm always worried I'll be disappointed. While the connections are heavy handed (and at times a little oversimplified), this is an intriguing effort overall, including for those likeminded, diehard Dalloway fans.

Phoebe has been having a tough time for a long time. She's filled with outstanding projects and not fully realized dreams, and when she undergoes a major life change/disappointment, all of these big dramas become one insurmountable obstacle, and she decides to stop referencing just Virginia Woolf and Clarissa Dalloway and start getting Michael Cunningham's characters involved as reference points, too. Readers who are sensitive to suicidal ideation and descriptions of related plans and experiences should strongly consider whether this is the right read for them. While the tone is frequently upbeat, the subject matter is often heavy, and these motifs encompass more than just a scene of this novel. They are rampant. To live or not? This is a question that will be asked often.

While Phoebe has some tragic plans for her evening away, everything changes when she's immediately brought into the fold of a wedding party. This group is (mostly) humorously dysfunctional, but Phoebe finds herself reconsidering her options and plans as a result of their presence and antics.

So much of this novel is about disappointment and loneliness, but the overarching sentiment is hopeful. Since we are living in some truly depressing times, it seems necessary that folks consider their own mindsets carefully before cracking the first page.

Phoebe is no Clarissa, and while Espach isn't Woolf either, this writer does offer thoughtful characters, plotting, and themes and motifs that are sure to make readers reflect. I will absolutely be back for more from this author.

4.5

Do you ever have get the feeling when you pick up a new book that it is going to be one of those stories that sticks with you? The Wedding People was one of those books for me, and upon reaching the end, I found myself not wanting to leave these characters and revisited moments in the story for further reflection. Espach’s writing is sharp, insightful, and deeply human in this story of how moments with strangers can become a catalyst to change our lives, to start anew, to provide the hope and connection we might desperately be searching for, and to give us the permission to feel everything and be ourselves.

Through these characters, Espach dives into the conversation of how it’s hard to be a person at times- how waking up, completing the same tasks, and just existing can feel daunting when we’re also juggling all feelings of being alive. How loneliness, even when in the company of others, can be overwhelming and consuming, and that we’re all at some point seeking connection and the chance to be heard, validated, and seen. I thought the wedding setting worked so well for this story because it was a melding of different personalities and pasts where the characters could let their guards down - it can be easier to open up and share your insecurities, deepest feelings and desires with strangers than it is with friends and family closest to you.

The Wedding People speaks to the power of small gestures and interactions with strangers. Sometimes we forget how these seemingly small, inconsequential actions can create ripples that impact our lives and those around us. I loved how Espach shared personal experiences in the acknowledgments and mentions the interactions had with people in airports, coffee shops, and on planes where they took a moment to acknowledge her existence, made her laugh, and shared a smile. In a world where we are constantly on the go, these moments where we are able to be seen by others are so important.

This story was heavy at times, but it was also incredibly hopeful filled with many moments of heart and humor that were affirming, vulnerable, and honest. I truly loved this story, and this collection of strangers turned friends were such wonderful company to spend time with, get to know, and bear witness to their lives and stories. Just remember: that a smile or words shared in passing with a stranger or the small acts of kindness and grace you extend, even when you think people don’t notice, are moments that can have a tremendous impact and can change the trajectory of someone’s day and life.

I went into this book expecting one thing and got something completely different, and wow— what a fun, wild ride this book was. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time. It’s raw, heartfelt, hilarious, and introspective.

While I want to provide a summary, I feel like half the fun of this one is going into it completely blind. It was far darker than I anticipated, but still laugh out loud funny at times, and so full of hope. I really appreciated the levity of the dark humor in this one. There is some self discovery, some romance, and a lot of reflections on life— disappointment, loneliness, marriage, friendship + more. Every character felt real, relatable and also someone you want to root for. It was paced perfectly, had incredible character development and lessons along the way.

I laughed, I cried. I didn’t want it to end.

This book is SOO good! I love how quirky and smart and quick witted it is. It pulls you right in! I wanted a nice shiny bow at at the end so I'm hoping its a set up for a second book. I want the girls to be with their brothers, and Juice to have a step-mom! The characterization is so well done. The setting is perfect. The hope for Phoebes future is good for the soul. I loved this book and can't wait to tell everyone to read it!

I absolutely loved this book! It reminds you that life is hard, but yet full of beautiful moments and connections.

What can possibly happen when a suicidal woman and a bride who has been planning her perfect wedding converge? Alison Espach's latest novel The Wedding People answers that very question. Phoebe Stone is an adjunct literature professor whose life isn't exactly fantastic. She can't get a tenure track teaching position, she can't finish the book she's been writing for 10 years, and she can't conceive. After the end of her marriage she makes the plan to rent a room at a luxury resort, swallow pills, and drift into oblivion. Lila, the bride of the wedding taking place at the resort, knows the suicide will ruin the vibe of her wedding weekend, so she implores Phoebe to postpone her plan until the wedding is over.

Alison Espach's humor and love for the more flawed members of humanity are on full display in The Wedding People. Lila may be seen as callous, but she has been bullied a bit in regard to marrying an older man. She needs the wedding to happen so people will see the love between her and her fiance is real. Phoebe needs human connection after the isolation of Covid and the end of her marriage. Lila and Phoebe bond, but the pairing is more like two burrs hooked together rather than say peanut butter and jelly. Both Lila and Phoebe are prickly and determined to get their way. Phoebe begins to bond with the members of the wedding group. As each interaction occurs Phoebe begins to heal. Espach's crisp phrasing and dark humor does not underplay the seriousness of suicidal ideation, but rather backlights the absurdity of life. Through Phoebe readers see that life is worth living, even through the worst of things that can happen.

I absolutely loved this book. It's one of my favorite reads in 2024. it's all about the taking a path and doing things you never thought you would do. I loved all the characters and their stories. Each one is relatable or you have a friend like that. I could very much relate to Phoebe in a lot of ways and about not taking changes. it's about putting yourself out there and things working out.

I read this book in one sitting! It is the perfect summer or be read. It takes the reader on a journey of self reflection and embracing change. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Phoebe, an English professor with a speciality in 19th-Century literature, has come to the Cornwall Inn to kill herself.

As someone who recently got married I was particularly interested in The Wedding People by Alison Espach. I read Espach’s first novel The Adults back in 2011 and I remember being drawn into the world of the characters, so I was hoping to have a similar experience with her third novel. It did not disappoint.

Espach’s writing is funny and real. Her characters straddle the line between authentic and archetype in the best way. I found myself say “YES! So true!” more than once. The dialogue is smart and moves the plot along swiftly. If I had to find something to be frustrated with, I’d say it was how annoyed I was with some of the characters. But again, this is part of what makes the book so good — these are the people at the wedding who are annoying. Without them it wouldn’t feel as true to life.

If you are looking for an easy read that will still have to reflecting on life and love and life, I recommend The Wedding People.

Prefacing this review by saying I feel a little bit bad for the girls who are going to see this cover in a bookstore and think they've just found their perfect light beach read. You've been warned: this novel is NOT a fluffy romcom.

With that said, I loved it! It took me a few chapters to sink my teeth in, but once I hit the 50% mark, I couldn't put it down. I grew to love each character, it was witty and made me laugh out loud, and having lived in Newport RI, I found the depictions of the area and its people to be spot on.

4.5 rounded up to 5!

Thanks Henry Holt & Co. for the opportunity to read an eARC ahead of this book's release. It will be published July 30.

When Phoebe arrives at The Grand Cornwall Inn, she is at a low point in her life. Lila meanwhile, has planned the best, the biggest, the most perfect wedding you could ever imagine. Including renting out the entire hotel for her guests, which Phoebe is not. Phoebe just wanted to be alone, but Lila is determined to know more about her and it seems the wedding people won’t stop until she is pulled into their orbit.

This book started a bit dark, but it ended up being a delightfully fun and quirky story, that also took a look at the wedding industry as a whole. I was immediately taken with Lila, but also sort of hated her at the same time, which I think is how Phoebe felt as well. Every time I would start to soften toward her she did something else that took me back to square one. I think this book also took a deeper look at wedding culture, without beating you over the head with it. The need to get married by a certain age, the need to have the over the top wedding where everything is perfect, and maybe a bit of sometimes people forgetting that at the end of the day, the wedding is about the person you are marrying and starting your life with, not about all the tiny details. I really enjoyed seeing Phoebe grow and heal throughout this story, and the wedding activities brought the fun!

Thank you to @henryholtbooks for my gifted copy of this book!

A delightful story!

After a devastating breakup Phoebe books a stay at a fabulous hotel to be alone to brood. She immediately gets caught up in a week-long wedding party that has booked the rest of the hotel. Seeing that she's sad and alone the hesitant young bride insists that she join them, an unlikely friendship ensues with surprising results.

Ohhh Shoot… I LOVED this book!

Knowing very little about what I was in for made my reading experience the absolute best. In The Wedding People you meet Phoebe who has booked herself a stay at the beautiful Cornwall Inn in Newport, Rhode Island… mistaken as being apart of the wedding party… (the only other guests at the hotel) she finds herself confiding to the bride why she’s really there…

From there you are taken on a tailspin getting to know the characters, wedding shenanigans… delivered with clever dialogue and the brutal truth of sadness. I will be thinking about this group for some time and would love to pick up a finished copy because there was so many words of wisdom shared.

I would not be surprised if this is one of the major Bookclub picks!

Thank you Henry Holt and Co. & Macmillan Audio
Releases 7/30

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4.5 stars! One of the best books I have read this year. The Wedding People covers tough subjects (infidelity, infertility, unfulfilling job, divorce) but is emotional and funny. It follows two women from completely different walks of life and their unlikely friendship that grows over the span of a week. I could not put this book down. It had me tearing up and laughing within a few paragraphs.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Henry Holt for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion. This comes out 7/30/24 and I know a lot of people will love it.

A suitable book for summer reading that leaves much to reflect on about the journey of self-discovery, overcoming oneself, and seeking new opportunities. I was very satisfied after finishing this book.

The Wedding People got off on an "I'm not sure.." kind of vibe, but within the first 10%, I was sold and thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The setup is about suicide, and at first dive, I was thinking, "I cannot read a lite book about suicide." But wait - it's just the setup- no one dies in this book. Once I was assured the book's heroine survives, I enjoyed the situations and character development. The setting, Newport, Rhode Island, is not used very often outside of Guilded Age historical fiction, and I enjoyed the modern visit.

I prefer romance novels with strong female characters on a mission to become stronger—no swoon for me. The Wedding People delivered. Additionally, the ancillary characters are likable and have their own growth curves. The pacing is fast, with farely short chapters ameniable to vacation reading - but I got so involved I read the last 2/3 in one sitting.

The Wedding People is a delightful, quirky novel that is a perfect summer vacation read.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an electronic ARC in exchange for a review.

Stop what you're doing and go get this book. It's perfect. The characters are interesting and odd and unique - the story is lovely and funny and earnest - and the writing is top notch. I laughed out loud many, many times and felt tension and angst at the same time. It's the perfect book. Buying for everyone I know. Thanks to the publishers for the advanced copy. WHAT A GIFT.

Overcome with depression after a series of struggles, a woman checks in at a resort intending to end her life. Instead, she becomes tangled up with the wedding party occupying the rest of the resort and through them finds the courage to start over. This was sweet, funny, introspective, touching, everything you could want from a story like this. Full of memorable characters and a realistic look at tough topics like mental health and infertility. It really captures the power of unexpected connections and how transformative it can be to open yourself up.

This is heavy and full of trauma but wow it was amazing!! I love the dark humor and how much this represented mental health. Character development was top notch, I loved every single one. This book deserves so much hype for how well it was done!!