Genre: Contemporary/Romance
Publication Date: 26th May 2022
Blurb:
Freya Scott is getting married. Her wedding to Matthew, her long-term boyfriend, is the first of eight in her calendar this year, and as someone who prides herself on being meticulously organized, Freya is intent on making it the perfect day to remember.
But when Matthew calls things off hours before they walk down the aisle, Freya’s entire life plan goes up in smoke. Humiliated and heartbroken, the last thing she wants is to attend a summer of other peoples’ nuptials on her own.
Fortunately, her friends have an idea: together they devise a series of outrageous challenges for Freya to complete at each event, designed to distract her from Matthew and what might have been. From getting stuck in an old church bathroom and needing to be rescued by the vicar to making out with a barman at a French chateau, Freya realizes that despite herself, she might just be having fun.
By the time the final wedding arrives, she will discover that the road to a happy ending sometimes has unexpected detours, that “I do” is only the beginning––and that perhaps her own love story isn’t over just yet.
**Spoiler-Free Review**
I received this book from Hodder & Stoughton via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I've read from Katy Birchall, and I believe it's her first foray into adult contemporary romance books. This books follows Freya, whose fiancé breaks up with her after 12 years, on the day before her wedding. She then has 5 wedding to attend throughout the year so her friends come up with a list of challenges that she has to complete to distract her from the breakup.
I'm happy to say that this has become one of my favourite contemporaries of all time. First, let's start with the reality. Birchall perfectly encapsulated life in your late twenties/early thirties - lots of weddings and the occasional, very tough break-up. The way the break-up was portrayed was so realistic and it almost mirrored break-ups I've seen friends go through. I adored the way she showed Freya healing throughout the book and I love that the romance came into the story a bit later and that the story was spread over nearly a year.
Next up, the relationships. The friendships with both friends and family were so well done. This book had me laughing at the jokes between both her best friends, and her father and brother. The humour was perfect. The wedding challenges were great to read about and I love that Freya was never too overwhelmed with bitterness towards her friends (which I've seen in other books). There was no bitchiness in the book and it made me so happy. I also liked that Freya was repairing a relationship that had broken down within her family, showing that she was actually gaining something from her new life.
The love interest was also great. I liked that the 'miscommunication' was barely there and the usual third act in contemporary books was done very differently in this, which I much preferred.
Overall, this was a fantastic adult contemporary for anyone who needs a pick-me-up and a good laugh. I will 100% be picking up any books from Kat Birchall in the future. Also, for anyone wondering, this isn't a steamy romance book, so if you're picking it up for that, you might be disappointed!
No comments:
Post a Comment