What do you think?
Rate this book
Desert Wedding
There is nothing more exciting than when your best friend gets married. And for Elsie McKenna, it seems like she's got the maid of honor thing figured out. But as the big day date gets closer and wedding planning takes over, Elsie's friendship with the bride-to-be, Res, begins to go downhill. To make matters worse, Elsie's boyfriend, the long-suffering Jonah, becomes increasingly distant. It's not too soon before Elsie begins to wonder if there's something in the air in Phoenix, or if it's just a nasty case of wedding fever.
- GenresRomance
210 pages, ebook
First published July 29, 2012
3 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 18, 2013
Desert Wedding is an entertaining story about two twenty-something best friends, who are caught up in the frenzy that comes with wedding planning. Res Mba is the sweet bride-to-be who starts out calm and collected when it comes to the details of her wedding, only to feel the pressure build from differences in opinions from her fiance and their families. Elsie McKenna is Res' maid-of-honor, she's a no-nonsense, tell it like it is kind of girl, who steps in and helps with the wedding plans, even when she has a relationship commitment phobia due to a failed engagement. As the wedding plans continue and the walk down the aisle gets closer, both Res and Elsie deal with issues and obstacles in their lives that make them go just a tad bit crazy ... can it be the Phoenix desert air or a case of wedding fever?
In her debut novel, author Penny Kim weaves a fun story written in the third person narrative, set in Phoenix, about two twenty-something best friends who are making their mark in the world and going through the timeless rite of passage into womanhood with engagements and weddings. The reader follows Res and Elsie as they journey down the path of planning Res' perfect wedding filled with obstacles and issues that come with the process of planning that special day. These sassy ladies are total opposites: Elsie is snarky, self-absorbed and brash; Res is gentle and goes with the flow ... but as the wedding planning process proceeds it brings twists and turns that keeps the reader entertained and turning the pages. As the story unfolds, the reader gets the inside scoop into Elsie and Res' lives: Elsie's commitment phobia, Res' in-law issues, their careers, and of course the ups and downs of wedding planning.
With a quirky cast of characters; engaging dialogue and interactions; a rich description of the setting that reads like a travel guide for everything Phoenix; and a fun wedding planning quote/factoid at the beginning of each chapter; Desert Wedding is a classic chick lit story with a humorous twist that is an entertaining and lighthearted read that every chick lit fan will surely enjoy!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
In her debut novel, author Penny Kim weaves a fun story written in the third person narrative, set in Phoenix, about two twenty-something best friends who are making their mark in the world and going through the timeless rite of passage into womanhood with engagements and weddings. The reader follows Res and Elsie as they journey down the path of planning Res' perfect wedding filled with obstacles and issues that come with the process of planning that special day. These sassy ladies are total opposites: Elsie is snarky, self-absorbed and brash; Res is gentle and goes with the flow ... but as the wedding planning process proceeds it brings twists and turns that keeps the reader entertained and turning the pages. As the story unfolds, the reader gets the inside scoop into Elsie and Res' lives: Elsie's commitment phobia, Res' in-law issues, their careers, and of course the ups and downs of wedding planning.
With a quirky cast of characters; engaging dialogue and interactions; a rich description of the setting that reads like a travel guide for everything Phoenix; and a fun wedding planning quote/factoid at the beginning of each chapter; Desert Wedding is a classic chick lit story with a humorous twist that is an entertaining and lighthearted read that every chick lit fan will surely enjoy!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
February 18, 2013
As most of you know, this is not my standard reading material. I decided to try to branch out a little bit. This story is all about all the b that can go wrong during the wedding planning process. Elsie has been through some of these issues before while planning her unfinished wedding and can see a lot of the troubles she had happening to her best friend Res. Res is African and has many traditions that are not held in the United States. She is marrying a westerner whose family will not accept her traditions. His family criticizes everything she does forcing her to change nearly everything about herself in order to fit into their mold. Elsie is downright depressed and ticked off at what everyone is putting her through. As maid of honor she makes her own opinions known causing Res even more stress than she had been feeling previously. In her attempt to help Res stand up for herself as well as plan her wedding for herself instead of a wedding for her future future in-laws, Elsie manages to alienate herself and get kicked out of the wedding.
That's not all the terrible things that happen to Elsie though. As you may have guessed, Elsie has her fair share of commitment issues from her own failed wedding. She never lived with a man and marriage is off limits for any conversation, unless of course it is someone else's wedding. At this point in her life though she been in an "open" relationship for three years. Ok...so it really isn't open. They agreed to an open relationship, but neither has dated another person the entire time they have been together. All the wedding preparations for Res has gotten to Elsie's boyfriend causing problems for Elsie at home. Will Elsie get over her fears of the "m" word? Will Res get the wedding of her dreams? Will Res lose herself to the pressure of being an American woman? Let's just say the book has a very interesting ending. I enjoyed the story, but I can definitely say that I am so very happy not to have experienced many of the issues presented. If that is how weddings are normally planned, no wonder Bridezilla was a popular show.
Read more reviews at Identity Discovery Blog.
That's not all the terrible things that happen to Elsie though. As you may have guessed, Elsie has her fair share of commitment issues from her own failed wedding. She never lived with a man and marriage is off limits for any conversation, unless of course it is someone else's wedding. At this point in her life though she been in an "open" relationship for three years. Ok...so it really isn't open. They agreed to an open relationship, but neither has dated another person the entire time they have been together. All the wedding preparations for Res has gotten to Elsie's boyfriend causing problems for Elsie at home. Will Elsie get over her fears of the "m" word? Will Res get the wedding of her dreams? Will Res lose herself to the pressure of being an American woman? Let's just say the book has a very interesting ending. I enjoyed the story, but I can definitely say that I am so very happy not to have experienced many of the issues presented. If that is how weddings are normally planned, no wonder Bridezilla was a popular show.
Read more reviews at Identity Discovery Blog.
March 28, 2013
The idea behind this book is truly clever. I love the fact that each chapter begins with wedding advice and/or a special quote relating to weddings. And the book itself is quite reminiscent of a wedding plan book. All these things are definitely positive. In addition to this, there are a few surprises that keep the story moving along. If you are in a "wedding mood," you may find this book quite fascinating.
But I have to say that this book did not resonate with me like I wished it would have. I found the characters more two-dimensional than three-dimensional. I struggled to connect with them. And while I am not marking the book down in the area of morality, I would have preferred less sex talk (it is very adult in nature), and the profanity did grow tiring. Both of these things did rob me of some enjoyment I would have otherwise enjoyed.
As to the writing style, it was fairly well-written. The story was nice and light. I am sure that the romance of the novel seemed a bit sappy for me, so it just wasn't for me. However, if you are looking for an easy read that is written in a unique style, this may be what you are looking for!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
But I have to say that this book did not resonate with me like I wished it would have. I found the characters more two-dimensional than three-dimensional. I struggled to connect with them. And while I am not marking the book down in the area of morality, I would have preferred less sex talk (it is very adult in nature), and the profanity did grow tiring. Both of these things did rob me of some enjoyment I would have otherwise enjoyed.
As to the writing style, it was fairly well-written. The story was nice and light. I am sure that the romance of the novel seemed a bit sappy for me, so it just wasn't for me. However, if you are looking for an easy read that is written in a unique style, this may be what you are looking for!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
February 8, 2013
This was an entertaining romantic read. Elsie's best friend is getting married. Res is going to be a beautiful bride, even if her husband-to-be is a complete jerk. Elise's boyfriend on the other hand is patient adn kind. A 'friend' is also a brides maid and ups the tension between everyone involved!
I liked Res, though she really had some blindess issues when it comes to her fiance. Elsie was abrasive and hard to deal with but loves Res like a sister. I liked Jonah, he was a strong and loving man. He deals with a lot in Elsie but loves her despite all the issues. The storyline was good and a fairly typical romance.
This one was a 3/5. It was a quick romance read.
Thank you to PumpUpYourBook for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
I liked Res, though she really had some blindess issues when it comes to her fiance. Elsie was abrasive and hard to deal with but loves Res like a sister. I liked Jonah, he was a strong and loving man. He deals with a lot in Elsie but loves her despite all the issues. The storyline was good and a fairly typical romance.
This one was a 3/5. It was a quick romance read.
Thank you to PumpUpYourBook for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
February 5, 2013
This is a quick beach type read. I really enjoyed this book.
Elsie was helping her best friend Res plan her wedding. Elsie has a strong personality that offends some people. Elsie tries to close herself off to the idea of marriage, committment because of a broken engagment. She is not as closed off as she appears. She just simply tries to protect herself from heartache again.
There was a twist that I did not see coming in the book. I found myself caught up in the emotions of how the character most involved in the twist would feel. I feel when a book makes you feel so caught up in the story that you can imagine exactly how the character feels, its a great book. An author has excellent writing skills when this happens.
Elsie was helping her best friend Res plan her wedding. Elsie has a strong personality that offends some people. Elsie tries to close herself off to the idea of marriage, committment because of a broken engagment. She is not as closed off as she appears. She just simply tries to protect herself from heartache again.
There was a twist that I did not see coming in the book. I found myself caught up in the emotions of how the character most involved in the twist would feel. I feel when a book makes you feel so caught up in the story that you can imagine exactly how the character feels, its a great book. An author has excellent writing skills when this happens.
August 22, 2012
"Desert Wedding" was a delight! A great story with insightful witticisms by our girl Elise. A great summer beach/rainy day/mass transit treat to read. This is not serious literature for the serious mind. This is brilliant bubble gum pop literature for us hard working career gals who have been stuck in the always-a-bridesmaid-never-a-bride period in life. Captures that period of life accurately - with a great sense of humor. Well done Penny! Looking forward to more of Elise, Res, and Pam adventures!
January 23, 2013
A fun , entertaining read for the girls. Desert Wedding is about two girl friends one has had a bad relationship in the past (Elise) and basically throws up all sorts of obstacles to prevent commitment . The other Res is on her way down the aisle and in the midst of planning the perfect wedding. The characters are witty and funny and they ending is a surprise! Penny Kim did a great job of creating a book to enjoy by the pool and laugh about with your girlfriends.
I received a complimentary copy of Desert Wedding for reviewing purposes.
I received a complimentary copy of Desert Wedding for reviewing purposes.
March 30, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. As you can probably guess by the title, it's about weddings. But, I think it's really about more - the power of friendship. The story was really fun.
I definitely engaged with both Elsie and Res. Penny Kim was able to make both of them real to me, with all their faults and failings. Both seem like people I'd love to meet and hang out with. I think the book could best be described as an opportunity to do just that - hang out with two friends as they plan Res's wedding. I could totally relate.
I definitely engaged with both Elsie and Res. Penny Kim was able to make both of them real to me, with all their faults and failings. Both seem like people I'd love to meet and hang out with. I think the book could best be described as an opportunity to do just that - hang out with two friends as they plan Res's wedding. I could totally relate.
August 24, 2012
Read it in a weekend! A fun beach read & you will laugh out loud if you've been in your fair share of weddings. The characters are some spunky ladies of Phoenix. You'll think you know where it's headed then get a little twist at the end.
September 22, 2012
As Penny Kim's maiden book, three cheers for Desert Wedding! I found her writing to be wonderfully descriptive, intelligent, and very down to earth at the same time. It's a fun read and the characters are quite likable. Can't wait for her next book!
October 11, 2016
A nice light read. Positively flew through the book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews