The Wedding People

Chelsea W, Reviewer

THE WEDDING PEOPLE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5. Phoebe’s life is in shambles. When she decides to go to a hotel 1,000 miles away from her home to be alone, to find out she is the only guest not there for a wedding that is happening in the grounds. Somehow she becomes involved in the wedding and the people attending. A story of loss, love, heartache, bringing life back together, art, passion, self-realization. I really enjoyed this one and hope it’s a hit.

BrownSugar B, Reviewer

I feel like words cannot express how perfectly unperfect this novel was. Phoebe is one of the best well written characters that I've encountered this year. When a character truly leaps off the pages and speaks to your mind, humor and heart, you buckle in no matter what the outcome and I'm glad I read this. Families are hard, people are hard, but soldiering on everyday to try this thing called life and maybe make some friends along the way is what keeps us going. No notes, this book was PERFECT.

Reviewer 1183623

This book is absolutely phenomenal. I truly never wanted it to end. Phoebe is unhappy with every part of her life when she heads to the grand Cornwall Inn with a plan. Once she arrives, she quickly realizes that everyone else at the inn is there for a wedding and her objective starts to shift. I found it to be such a relatable story of connection and friendship. Phoebe shows how important and powerful it is to find your own voice. I am honestly tempted to immediately reread it to savor the perfection.

Jessica M, Reviewer

"She is so good at predicting what will happen in books, so bad at predicting what will happen in life. That is why she has always preferred books - because to be alive is much harder." - Alison Espach, "The Wedding People" "The Wedding People" by Alison Espach is a delightful contemporary fiction tale that, for me, mirrors the uplifting spirit of beloved movies like The Holiday and P.S. I Love You. Espach effortlessly blends lighthearted humor, romance, and fun banter with underlying themes that explores life's dificulties. The story unfolds in the picturesque setting of Newport, Rhode Island, where Phoebe Stone finds herself mistakenly embraced as an unexpected wedding guest at the grand Cornwall Inn. Utterly alone, Phoebe embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. Alison Espach's knack for phenomenal character development shines through in this messy family drama. The flawed yet relatable Phoebe and a cast of intriguing characters add depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a rare gem in the realm of lighthearted novels. The pacing of the story is impeccable, maintaining a delightful flow that propels readers forward with each page turn. An early reveal in the novel had turning the pages to see what happened next. Espach's writing style is a standout feature, characterized by lovely and accessible prose. The dialogue, in particular, contributes to the book's overall charm. The artistry of the story is most fantastic. “The Wedding People” expertly navigates the intricate world of weddings which is what attracted me to this novel in the first place as I work in the wedding industry. The narrative not only entertains with its humor and romance but also delivers a meaningful exploration of unexpected encounters and the potential for new beginnings. It's a captivating story that I think will be on the top of many peoples favorite romance novels of 2024. Emotionally resonant, "The Wedding People" elicits a full spectrum of feelings. Empathy for characters grappling with trauma and heartbreak coexists with a sense of hopefulness. The beautifully written conclusion, though not overtly sad, leaves a lasting impact and had me in literal tears, a testament to Espach's ability to craft a narrative that emotionally connects with readers. SPOILER ALERT: This novel explores sensitive topics like suicide, infertility, cancer, death of a spouse, and infidelity. Altogether, "The Wedding People" is an absolute gem that offers a vibrant and emotionally resonant experience, making it a must-read for those seeking a captivating contemporary fiction read. In recommendations, "The Wedding People" finds its place within women's fiction, appealing to those who already appreciate the genre of romantic comedies and dramas. As for constructive criticism, none applies; the book delivers precisely what it sets out to achieve, earning it a well-deserved 5-star rating.

One of The Washington Post’s 10 Noteworthy Books for July and August
Named a Best Book of Summer 2024 by People Magazine, Bustle, Star Tribune, Goodreads, and LitHub

“The Wedding People is the perfect book to wrap up your summer reading. . . . heartwarming [and] hilarious.”
—Jenna Bush Hager, The Today Show's #ReadwithJenna

“A collision of diametrically opposed life events and general drama, the likes of which we haven’t seen since Maggie Shipstead’s Seating Arrangements. . . . Espach has an eye for the full gamut of emotions that go hand in hand with lifelong commitment, from humor to self-involvement to pathos.”
—Elisabeth Egan, The New York Times Book Review

“Espach’s wit and warmth deliver a gratifying story about how people who have given up might find a reason to start caring again.”
—Becky Meloan, The Washington Post

“Deeply satisfying. . . . A story of what it means to lift oneself out of one life and into another through acts of individual will and fellowship with others. . . . Espach is now three for three on delivering funny, emotionally moving explorations of the difficulties people have in being themselves.”
—John Warner, Chicago Tribune

“A feel-good testament to the life-altering magic of chance meetings.”
—People

“Deceptively complex...Espach’s story of a life-changing chance encounter is as rewarding as it is unexpected.”
—Lucy Feldman, Time

“A refreshingly sharp and funny examination of loss, love and wrestling with the expectations we have for our lives. This book is the rare lush escape that avoids falling into predictability; the characters feel full and real, and offer genuine moments of insight and warmth amidst their quirky circumstances.”
—Jillian Capewell, HuffPost

“Espach thumbs the depths of emotions most of us would fear speaking aloud, not to mention pour out on the page. It's honest, wry and delightfully unpredictable.”
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today

“Full of witty dialogue and lovably imperfect characters you’ll root for till the end.”
—Real Simple

“They say a good actor can read a phone book and still keep an audience spellbound. Alison Espach is that kind of writer. She is a master of taking the seemingly mundane and creating moments that transfix.”
—Maren Longbella, Star Tribune

“Filled with hilarious scenes and brilliant banter.”
—Marion Winik, Newsday

“By deftly invoking many popular romantic comedy tropes, Espach fills this novel with champagne-tinged fizz, while never losing sight of the more sober emotional truths that kicked off her narrative.”
—Bustle

“It’s simply delightful, entertaining, and heartfelt.”
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour

“Think: Eleanor Oliphant and Meredith, Alone vibes. As of this writing, The Wedding People is my favorite book of 2024.”
—Isabelle Eyman, Camille Styles

“Witty dialogue is just a bonus in this engrossing read centering on complex women making life-changing decisions. Recommend to readers who enjoy Sally Rooney, Curtis Sittenfeld, or Elizabeth Berg.”
—Library Journal (starred review)

“The Wedding People is so much more than a funny story (though it is very funny). Espach has penned a keenly observed novel about depression, love, the ways women make themselves small, and how one woman got over it. Fully realized and completely memorable.”
—Booklist (starred review)

“Sparkling . . . Readers are in for a treat.”
—Publishers Weekly

“The Wedding People is a wickedly funny and deeply satisfying novel about a woman with nothing to lose, armed with a green dress, some chocolate wine, and a coconut pillow, cut loose to cause delightful mayhem. It’s a story of lovers who turn into strangers, strangers who turn into friends, and the weird and wonderful connections that make us feel truly alive. I loved it.”
—Jenny Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of Pineapple Street

“The Wedding People is my very favorite kind of novel—hilarious and witty with enormous heart and characters I fell in love with. I was delighted to be at this wedding, in the middle of the drama and gossip, watching the entanglements of friendships old and new. I haven’t stopped talking about this book since I finished it, and I won’t stop until I’ve made everyone I know read it . . . so read it! Now! You can thank me later.”
—Jennifer Close, bestselling author of Marrying the Ketchups

“Alison Espach! How does she do it? I mean, really—how? The Wedding People is so utterly, ringingly true it feels less like fiction than like a field guide to personhood. It's so funny and romantic that I sometimes laughed out loud and sometimes got actual goosebumps. I tore through it like I didn't have a disordered deficit of attention. It's a perfect novel. I loved it.”
—Catherine Newman, author of Sandwich