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The Wedding People

The hilarious and moving million-copy bestseller

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The Wedding People

By: Alison Espach
Narrated by: Helen Laser
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The smash-hit international bestseller
A Read With Jenna book club pick
Winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction
'Best read of the year' THE TIMES

'Books as fun as this one are few and far between' GUARDIAN

'Sharp, funny and a joy to read' OBSERVER

Phoebe Stone arrives at a grand beachside hotel in Rhode Island wearing her best dress and least comfortable shoes. Immediately she is mistaken for one of the wedding people - but she's actually the only guest at the Cornwall Inn who isn't here for the big event.

When the bride discovers her elaborate destination wedding could be ruined by a divorced and depressed stranger, she is furious. Lila has spent months accounting for every detail and every possible disaster - except for, well, Phoebe . . . Soon, both women find their best-laid plans derailed and an unlikely confidante in one another.

Hilarious and moving, The Wedding People is an irresistible novel about love, friendship, dysfunctional families, and the unexpected paths that lead to happiness.

'As soon as I'd finished it, I wanted to read it all over again' RED

'Laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly moving' INDEPENDENT

'So funny and romantic . . . A perfect novel' CATHERINE NEWMAN

'Glorious . . . made me wish I had written it' JOJO MOYES

'Utterly charming . . . I loved it' PANDORA SYKES

'One of the few weddings I've attended that I didn't want to end' SAMUEL BURR©2024 Alison Espach Editors Select Family Life Friendship Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction Funny Witty Feel-Good Heartfelt
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Editorial Review

I’ll toast to that!
Feeling salty about beachfront displays of affection? As am I, along with Phoebe Stone, the spiraling protagonist of Alison Espach’s latest novel, who, newly single and depressed, has hot summer plans to self-sabotage in style at an elegant Newport resort. However, upon her arrival, she unexpectedly befriends a cohort of, you guessed it, wedding people, who would rather count Phoebe as an extra head for the caterers than have her potentially ruin the ceremony by being left unattended while erratically heartbroken. It doesn’t take long for Phoebe and the bride to bond over their underlying anxieties, and narrator Helen Laser’s spot-on delivery of all the witty insights embedded in this novel certainly makes it easy to fall for the vibrant cast of characters. So, if you too are in need of a summer pick-me-up, take a page out of Phoebe’s book and vicariously masquerade as a posh, pearl-clad sophisticate while opening up to this cynical yet ultimately heartfelt listen. — Haley H., Audible Editor

All stars
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I just adored this book from start to finish I really didn’t want it to end. I’d love a sequel to it 🫶

Amazing book to listen to, especially the different characters in it.

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Entertaining, original and refreshing. Very worth my time. I couldn't stop listening to it. Very good story and performance.

Very good story and performance

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Audiobook Review: The Wedding People

Listening to The Wedding People on Audible was an absolute delight. The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, capturing their personalities in a way that felt natural and engaging. Normally, I’m not a fan of narrators changing voices too much, but in this case, it worked beautifully and added to the experience rather than distracting from it.

The story itself was brilliantly told. I had no idea what to expect as it unfolded—apart from the ending, which had a sense of inevitability—but everything leading up to it was unpredictable in the best way. I loved how the book explored the complexities of getting married later in life, how small mishaps can feel significant even when nothing is truly wrong. Phoebe’s reflections were a highlight for me—her honesty, humor, and initial judgments of people were captured so well, making her a character I thoroughly enjoyed following.

Jim and Lila’s past connection added a layer of depth and history to the narrative, making their dynamic even more compelling. And then there was Phoebe’s cat—such a small detail in the grand scheme of things, yet the storytelling around it was so emotive. The book truly highlights how little things, often unnoticed, can mean the world to someone. It also raises the question: do we ever really know another person?

I absolutely loved this book. It delivered the perfect blend of dark humor and reality—exactly what I needed in this cold February month. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys sharp, insightful storytelling with a touch of wit and depth.

Dark humour and reality

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This book made me feel brave, made me want to be myself. It made me laugh out loud once or twice and giggle often. You think it’s going to be predictable, but even if it is, not in the ways you expect. It leaves you feeling bright, wanting to know people who want to know you with total honesty.

Humorous, touching, reflective

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Vivid characters and a story with good momentum and depth. Difficult somewhat shocking start to the book. A grower for me.

Tw suicidal ideation

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