A Gardin Wedding is a warm, heartfelt story about love, family, and second chances. I especially connected with Martha’s people-pleasing mentality, which made her journey of growth feel even more relatable. I enjoyed seeing how her relationships—both romantic and familial—shaped her along the way. Rosey Lee balances humor, heart, and healing beautifully. I am eager to pick up my next Rosey Lee read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC for an honest review!

In this interesting and emotional novel, readers follow engaged couple Martha Gardin and Oji Greenwald as they get ready to marry after becoming a local power couple. Oji is one of the most eligible bachelors in town, and Martha is a competent medical professional, but Martha has her own challenges to deal with before Oji’s family problems come to a head and worsen the divide between Martha and Oji’s mother Eve. Forced to acknowledge her mistakes and deal with the repercussions, Martha must go on a personal journey to heal herself and her relationships to get the future and happy ending she wants. Emotional, intense, and fun, readers will love this detailed character and relationship study from Rosey Lee. The characters are the stars of the book, and their relationships are well-written and packed with details that readers will love. The setting and social aspects are great backdrops to the larger conflicts and issues in the book, and readers will also find the characters’ struggles to be relatable and their growth to be rewarding. Fun, entertaining, and emotional, readers who love character-centric stories, complex character arcs, and imperfect protagonists who work on themselves will love this new release from Rosey Lee.

I was thrilled to learn about the release of another book about the Gardin family. A Gardin Wedding is Rosey Lee’s follow-up book to her debut novel about the Gardin family of the fictional Edin, Georgia. This book focuses on the “messy” sister, Martha. Her successful career isn’t enough for her; she always wants more. As her relationship with Oji grows, so does her desire for Oji’s mother’s approval. When complications arise, Martha struggles with” fight or flight” emotions. With the support of Mary, Aunt Naomi, and her former nemesis Ruth, there’s a shift in Martha’s behavior as she navigates her relationships. I was impressed with the engaging way the author made counseling a critical part of this story.

I liked how Lee included familiar characters and showed her readers what everyone is up to while telling Martha and Oji’s story. It was nice to see new people introduced in this story and the expansion of the storylines of others. She cleverly left the door open for another Gardin family story, focused on another main character. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to Rosey Lee’s next book.

This story felt timeless.
It was a very quick and enjoyable read for me.

This is a perfect book recommendation for someone who enjoys Black romance, contemporary romance with heavy familial stories. I did not realize that this had a book before it! Now, I want to read that one then reread this again.
I suggest reading the first one in order to feel the full effect of the storyline.
But, I wouldn’t necessarily say that it is required in order to enjoy this one.

Rosey Lee has made me a favorite fan of her work.

A Gardin Wedding by Rosie Lee is a touching and beautifully written story that captures the emotional complexity of relationships and the power of love. Lee has a gift for creating characters that feel real and relatable, drawing readers into their world with ease and warmth. There’s a lovely balance of heartfelt moments and gentle humor throughout the book.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I may have benefitted from reading the other books in this series for more context when it comes to the familial and contentious relationships and history here. I’ll be honest that neither of the MCs are at all likeable. They seemed shallow and immature and only wanted to be together for the benefits they saw in linking families. Pretty devoid of affection and romance. This one was just okay to me.

A Gardin Wedding's core themes (family drama, family relationships, marriage dynamics) align strongly with my frequent high-rated reads like Ties That Tether (5.0) and Saint and the Queen (5.0), where emotional exploration of complex bonds and personal growth drive narratives.

A Gardin Wedding by Rosey Lee is a heartwarming celebration of love, family, and second chances. With charming Southern flair and unforgettable characters, this story blooms with warmth, humor, and emotional depth—a true delight from start to finish.

Slow burn for me with the back and forth between Oji and Martha. The secrets within their relationship was very obvious to me... I just wasn't sure what Oji was hiding. Martha was set on having that social standing with the status of her relationship. I felt Oji's mom was on to Martha's intentions hence her being standoffish. However, things turned out to be really on Oji's end with the secrets and deceit. Working things out and coming to agreement on how to manage their relationship ongoing. I loved how Oji was able to make Martha's dream wedding come true. Absolutely beautiful gesture to show his love and devotion.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

I really enjoyed reading A Garden Wedding by Rosey Lee. It’s a sweet, emotional, and feel-good story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The book is about old friends, second chances, and the beauty of new beginnings — all set against the charming backdrop of a garden wedding.

Martha is such a relatable and strong character. I loved how the author showed her inner journey — dealing with past hurts, doubts, and fears, while still trying to move forward. Oji, on the other hand, is one of those quietly supportive and kind characters you can’t help but root for. The chemistry between them was natural and heartwarming, and I enjoyed watching their connection grow.

Their story felt like a beautiful reminder that sometimes love comes back when you least expect it, and that it’s never too late to take a chance on happiness. The wedding setting was perfect — full of joy, hope, and the magic of new beginnings. The garden itself almost felt like another character in the story, bringing a soft, peaceful vibe that matched Martha and Oji’s journey so well.

Rosey Lee’s writing is simple and engaging, with just the right balance of emotion and lightness. The pacing was good, and I appreciated the focus on personal growth as much as the romance. If I had one tiny wish, it would be to see a bit more depth in Oji’s past — but overall, I loved their story.

I like the Gardins of Edin series because they feel like cozy romances if those were a thing. There's the romances where you know there's going to be a roller coaster ride, but then there's the romances that walks the reader through what healthy relationships look like, and it gets written into the storyline. That's the Gardins of Edin series for you, and this second book in the series might have more roller coaster to it, but it's still cozy in the way that it portrays healthy steps to take during relationship issues. I hope there's more!

A Gardin Wedding by Rosey Lee is the second book in A Gardin of Edin novels. I feel like it could be a stand-alone, but it might be more enjoyable if you read the first book, A Gardin of Edin. Martha Gardin is a successful physician who is used to getting her own way. She is part of the Gardin family and is not always easy to be with. She thinks things are looking up for her when she begins dating Oji and is hopeful that they will get married. But his family just does not seem to like her.

For me A Gardin Wedding was a breath of fresh air. The author takes you on a journey with Martha, Oji and the Gardin family in this character driven story. Martha changes from someone you really would not be thrilled to sit by to being someone who you would want to be friends with. I loved that this is a story of hope, family, and the belief that we can all become better people.

I appreciated A Gardin Wedding with its redemptive themes of hope and family. There was a beautiful realness to the story. I highly recommend A Gardin Wedding and it will be one of my favorites of 2025.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

Martha Gardin, recovering troublemaker of the Gardin family, has met her match in Oji Greenwald. From the outside, the two seem like a match made in heaven, so when he unexpectedly proposes, she’s all in. But Oji’s overbearing mom is not thrilled with the new addition to the family.

As the weeks go by, Martha senses something is off. During a weekend at a premarital couples event, she finds out something that shows her just how much of a match Oji is—in the most devastating way. Will they be able to salvage their relationship and make it down the aisle?

This book was a lovely follow-up to The Gardins of Edin and I really enjoyed it! I loved seeing the family unit grown tighter and Martha continue to work through her own issues. The growth in her character from the last book to this one was incredible!

I also loved the topics this book touched on—insecurity, childhood wounds, and navigating broken friendships. I also loved the medical focus in this one on vascular dementia, a topic I didn’t know much about or how much of a role it plays in the African-American community.

I loved being back in Edin with this family and seeing Martha and Oji’s story unfold. Just the right amount of drama in this one!

Rosey Lee's "A Gardin Wedding: A Gardins of Edin Novel" is a heartwarming and engaging follow-up that delves into themes of love, forgiveness, and personal growth. While it's part of a series, the narrative is crafted in a way that allows new readers to enjoy Martha Gardin's journey, though existing fans will undoubtedly appreciate the deeper connections and references.

The story centers on Martha Gardin, a character known for her spirited nature and occasional tendency to stir up drama. As she navigates a serious relationship with the eligible Oji Greenwald, she finds herself facing unexpected challenges. Just as her life seems to be falling into place, a crisis within Oji's family brings out Martha's ingrained habits of trying to "fix" things her own way, leading to friction, particularly with Oji's mother, Eve. This conflict forces Martha into a journey of self-reflection and reconciliation with her past mistakes.

One of the most compelling aspects of this novel is Martha's character arc. Initially, her insecurities and sometimes misguided actions can be a source of frustration, but as the story progresses, her growth and increasing self-awareness make her a more empathetic and endearing protagonist. The strong bonds within the Gardin family are beautifully portrayed, providing a supportive backdrop for Martha's evolution and highlighting the power of sisterhood and unwavering familial love.

Lee skillfully weaves in delicate and important issues, such as dementia, handling them with sensitivity and authenticity. This adds a rich layer of depth to the story, making it more than just a romance. The descriptive narrative creates a vivid sense of place, particularly around the Gardin family estate and the wedding festivities, immersing the reader in the beautiful surroundings.

"A Gardin Wedding" is a delightful read for those who appreciate stories about self-discovery, the complexities of relationships, and the enduring strength of family. It's a testament to how individuals can evolve and find their path to love and happiness, even when faced with unforeseen obstacles.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5/5)
Tropes:
Family Saga/Close-Knit Family: The "Gardins of Edin Novel" and repeated mentions of "family bonds," "Gardin family," "sisterhood," and "unwavering familial love" strongly indicate this trope.
Personal Growth/Self-Discovery: Martha's "journey of self-reflection and reconciliation with her past mistakes," her "character arc," and her "growth and increasing self-awareness" point to this.
Redemption Arc: Martha's transformation from being "misguided by distrust and insecurity" and "stirring up drama" to becoming "more empathetic and endearing" suggests a redemption arc.
Relationship Challenges/Conflict: The narrative highlights "unexpected challenges" in Martha's relationship with Oji and "friction, particularly with Oji's mother, Eve."
Healing/Forgiveness: The theme of "forgiveness" is explicitly mentioned.
In-laws/Family Dynamics: The conflict and interactions with "Oji's mother, Eve" are a key part of the plot.

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!

Thank you NetGalley!

Martha Gardin is a mess. And everyone in the Gardin family knows it. A successful physician, Martha is usually the source of the Gardin family drama, but her heart is in the right place… sometimes. So, the Gardins are pleasantly surprised when Martha mellows out after she begins dating Oji Greenwald, one of the most eligible bachelors in town.

This one gets a 4 stars from me! I loved coming back to the Gardin sisters and this time we get to follow Martha! I think this will be a book that relates to a lot of people as they start to get married and having to deal with all different opinions going into a marriage.

Ahh! This book was so fun! I absolutely loved getting to go back to Edin and reuniting with the Gardin Family! This was Martha’s story and Rosey did such a great job fully fleshing out Martha’s character. This whole story felt so hopeful and redemptive and like receiving a warm hug. I absolutely loved it!

“𝙄𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙂𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣.”

Love is definitely in the air for Martha Gardin even though she is still a mess! Martha has met her equal with Oji Greenwald but has seemed to strike a negative chord with Oji’s mother, Eve Greenwald after attempting to offer medical advice in regards to Eve’s husband, Adam. Even though we get to see a more soft side of Martha, she is still up to her old antics of being selfish.

Will Martha have a happy ending with Oji and make it to the altar despite all of the personal and family drama?

This is book two of the Gardins of Edins series. While this is a standalone read, suggest reading the first book of the series, 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙣, to understand the character development and context. I enjoyed this book so much and was pleasantly surprised on how things worked out.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books centered around family, romance, forgiveness and new beginnings.

Martha Gardin has worked her whole life to have the life others would envy. When she finds Oji Greenwald, who’s influential family is one that is admired in town, and they begin dating, she knows this is the perfect move to get those last few things on her list: husband, big house, and societal status. However, the drama she’s created with her own family is now coming back to haunt her with her potential new family. As things start to unravel Martha has to take a good hard look at her heart and motives and look beyond the superficial things. Is her relationship with Oji a power move? Or is there really love between them? Will there be another Gardin wedding on the calendar?

Following closely behind the events of the first book, The Gardins of Edin, this book focuses on probably most people’s least favorite character, Martha! Whereas in the first book we got the story from all four women’s perspectives, this one is only told from Martha’s. I loved seeing the growth of her character. It is a great redemptive story, through hard work and accountability, not just “book magic”. I appreciated how some really tough topics (childhood trauma, financial issues, caring for dementia patients, etc.) were covered in a very respectful and encouraging way. I can see this book being used as a resource to talk about these topics.

I would recommend this book if you like family dramas with good outcomes. I would definitely say you should read the first book first, however, as you will understand the characters more and truly see and cheer for Martha’s transformation!
It was published this week, so go ahead and grab both The Gardins of Edin and this one!
Thank you to @netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my review!
#NetGalley #AGardinWedding

I loved the plot and the sisters are so much fun. I see that this is not a standalone, I felt like I was missing something, but over all, Yes Martha is going through it, from trying to impress her mother in law, to trying to keep her life on track and even her relationship with Oji, things got a little wild when he proposed, but the way he went about it???? NO NO.

I was rooting for Martha all the way, but I felt like she lacked maturity, so did Oji.

This book really made me uncomfortable and I really was rooting for them to not end up together. I know they went to counseling and stuff but Bleh. Bye.