Someone Else's Wedding

by Tamar Cohen

Mr. & Mrs. Max Irving request the company of:

Mrs. Fran Friedman, mourning her empty nest, her lost baby, the galloping years, and a disastrous haircut.

Mr. Saul Friedman, runner of marathons, avoider of conflicts and increasingly distant husband.

The two Misses Friedman, Pip and Katy, one pining over the man she can't have, the other trying to shake off the man she no longer wants.

At the marriage of their son James Irving, forbidden object of inappropriate and troubling desire.

For thirty-six hours of secrets and lies, painted-on-smiles and potential ruin. And drinks, plenty of drinks.

There's nothing like a wedding for stirring up the past. As Fran negotiates her way from Saturday morning to Sunday evening she is forced to confront things she's long thought buried, sending shockwaves through her family, and to make decisions about the future that will have far-reaching consequences for them all.

Genres: Contemporary

288 pages, Hardcover

First published June 20, 2013

About the author

Tamar Cohen is a freelance journalist who lives in London with her partner and three teenage children.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I originally rated this book on my Goodreads, I gave it four stars. Now, after reflection, I’ve had to upgrade that rating to five stars simply because I’m still thinking about the Friedmans, James and the rest of the characters.

This book packs a wallop but without giving too much away I really can’t say why. Over the course of a bank holiday weekend, Fran and Saul Friedman along with their grown up daughters Pip and Katy attend the wedding of Jamie Irving. We’re led to believe that Jamie is a long-time friend of the family but the truth is so much more salacious and interesting. Unlike other reviewers, I was so wrapped up in other plotlines within the story that I didn’t guess what was going on until it hit me in the face. And I’m happy about that! I love a good shocking surprise!

Everyone in this book has a problem that comes to a head. Fran’s still grieving from a stillbirth nearly three years prior, Saul is distant and unsupportive, Pip is in love with a married man, Katy is a selfish wild child… and that’s just the Friedmans! And then there’s Jamie, with his connection to Fran. It’s all very dark and brooding and, when things finally came to a head, I found them dramatic and terribly entertaining.

Someone Else’s Wedding deals with so many issues from miscarriage to mental health to your typical family drama – all of which unfold over the course of one long weekend. It’s deliciously trashy (and I definitely don’t mean that in a bad way) and like watching your favourite reality tv show or chat program. This book was definitely a speed-read, guilty pleasure for me!

There’s nothing like a wedding to bring out the worst in people.

Thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great protagonist; loved the relationships. Good fun in a dark way....

[Maxine (Booklover Catlady) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by Transworld Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thank you.

I am a big fan of Tamar Cohen's novels, her ability to dig into human emotion and interactions, exploring both elements of light and shade is exceptional. This book was one of those books that had the ability to make you feel so many things about the events happening within it.

The entire book is written over the period of a weekend, a weekend of a wedding and involves family and friends from both the Bride and Groom, but it's much more than "just" a story about a wedding, it's a wedding that will unravel not only secrets hidden to the reader, but unravel some of the people attending the wedding at the same time. To some degree it's a book where I could say "do not only not judge the book by it's cover, but don't judge the characters on first impressions either"

Not all is as it seems. And that's where it gets really good, and interesting with an element of shock factor here and there. This book tackles relationships, not what you see, but what goes on behind closed doors and in the minds of those involved.

'I don't mind the sex,' I once tried to explain to Louise. 'It's the kissing I find so difficult.' She'd nodded, her shiny, conker-coloured hair shimmering in the lamp-light. 'You're frightened of intimacy,' she told me. 'It's very common, I'm afraid. Particularly where resentment has been allowed to build up.'

I thought a book set over an entire wedding weekend would be boring but it wasn't, as Tamar Cohen successfully explores and reveals what each character is really all about in a very clever, and intriguing way.

Protect him from what? I want to ask. But I can't speak because there is something big lodged in my throat. I think it might be my heart.

The book packs a punch, especially once the secrets behind who is who relating to what and some of the secrets hinted at early in the book come to light, can't possibly go into those without spoiling it for you, the reader.

I laughed with the characters, some of the writing is just really cleverly witty, but so REAL, so RAW, because it's real life, this is no made-up namby pamby world that Tamar Cohen has created!

When did I start thinking of death all the time? I've always thought about it periodically. Who doesn't? That sudden shocking realization that one day the world will still be here, but I won't be in it. But this is different. Nowadays, I'll be trawling the supermarket aisles when all of a sudden it hits me. What's the point in getting the half-fat milk or the organic carrots or the low-salt baked beans? What's the point of agonizing over what to wear or how much I weigh or any of it? Sometimes I'm driving and I'll pass a new building that's just gone up and I'll think, That'll still be here when I'm dead, and it completely poleaxes me.

There are some profoundly moving and sad moments in the novel too and for me it was a very enjoyable reads as I lay back and let the characters tell me who they were, what they were REALLY thinking and why they were here. It's like peeling away layer upon layer.

4 stars, an easy read, perfect for fans of anyone that likes to see inside the human heart, mind and ponder why human beings do the strange things that they do.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this through NetGalley for review.

What a fantastic read. The book was set over the course of a weekend wedding where most of the guests were staying at the same hotel.

Everyone seems to have secrets or things they want to hide.

What is Fran's connection to the young groom- why is she seemingly distanced from her husband who everyone else thinks makes the 'perfect man'?

Their two daughters are also keeping secrets that come out over the course of the weekend.

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what a journey.

What a web we can weave when we first set out to deceive. The thing is, Fran was deceiving herself as well as those around her.

Fran struggled with her past, the things she thought she had dealt with, the things that remained hidden, but blasted to the fore thought of her mind..........when she didn't want it to be there.

Fran was a person you could very much relate to. It could have been you, it could have been me.

Many times we think we have 'dealt' with something when wham! it comes backs to haunt you, and as much as Fran was trying to struggle on in the 'now' the past kept creeping up on her.

The layout of this book was very unique. In each chapter it took an hour of the wedding, what Fran's thoughts were, what was happening around her, life in general, it was awesome to read such a book at this, I didn't get much done the day I read it, I was hooked from start to finish.

Now....this is not Fran's wedding, this is a wedding she is attending! It's such a fantastic read I can't urge you enough to read this for yourself.

As for the ending, I thought it was straight forward, OH NO IT WASN'T, WOW, love it

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

This is my second book I've read by Tamar Cohen, the first being The Broken, which I enjoyed immensely.

This of course is a different type of book, different genre altogether but a fairly enjoyable read. The whole book takes place over the course of a weekend at a friend's wedding therefore it's very much a character filled and driven book. The story is told from Fran's viewpoint entirely, the main protagonist, and she's a character I couldn't relate to at all. She was self indulgent, selfish and frankly not someone I would have any interest in knowing, in spite of her back story. It is because of the author's ability as a writer that keeps this book interesting. Great observational skills and a couple of really funny laugh out loud moments. I literally had tears running down my face a couple of times! Just a shame there wasn't more of those! The whole thing runs easily enough but it didn't have me gripped, just enjoyable enough fare. I sped read through some of it and did guess the relationship between two central characters fairly early on (was secretly pleased with that bit of deduction!!)

All in all not a bad read but I think I prefer the author's 'darker side!!'

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

It is testament to Tamar Cohen's excellent writing that she was able to keep me interested enough to keep reading a book in which essentially nothing happens other than a bickering family attend a wedding, and in which I LOATHED the main character, Fran.

The author's sharp observation of character is excellent (this was one of the best features of her previous two novels, also, which I enjoyed far more than this one), and her ability to evoke time and place is very good.

There was a big cast of characters in this novel, and I would love to have read the story from the viewpoint of different people, rather than the whole thing being written in the first person by one character, Fran, whose selfishness, self-indulgence and self-interest had me wanting to slap her by the end, tragic past notwithstanding.

I can't say I'm sorry to have finished it, I must say.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited about this book and could not wait for it to arrive. When it came through the door me and my sister looked at the cover as we like to discuss the covers of books. As it happens I received this book a few days before I got married, and the top of the wedding dress on the cover is very similar to my dress, and so we both gasped and had to hide the book pretty sharpish because my then-fiance was wandering around!

When all was safe I jumped at the chance to start! I admit, I had not read anything from Tamar Cohen before, however, I had heard a lot of great things about one of her other novels, The Mistress’s Revenge, and so I was keen to begin.

Tamar Cohen tells the story of Fran Friedman and her family, set over the course of thirty-six hours as they attend James Irving’s wedding to his fiance Lucy. It should be a happy day celebrated by all, but underneath the surface, there are issues and things that Fran had thought were long in the past. As Fran tries her best to get through the wedding, she is forced to confront everything she thought was hidden…

I thoroughly enjoyed this. This is one of those books that pulls you in from the first page and does not let you go until long after you have finished the book. I sat down on an afternoon intending to read for an hour or two but i was so mesmerized and gripped by what was happening that I read the entire book in one sitting, and let me just say wow…what a book!

One thing I particularly liked about this book was that every chapter in the book was another hour over the course of the wedding. I had never read a book with this structure before but I really loved that it was set out this way as it felt as though I was going through everything in real-time with the characters. It felt as though I was watching their every move and with them at every moment, rather than in other books where you meet up with the character after a few days or a week. I think this structure helped me to get to know the main character Fran more.

The characters were very-well written. Fran, our main narrator and character is very realistic, she really came to life. As a reader, we are spending the course of an entire wedding with her and so by the end I felt as though I knew her like a friend. I don’t want to give anything away but over the course of the book, I learnt a lot about Fran, her thoughts and her feelings, as well as the events and things that she wanted to stay hidden. The troubles that she goes through makes her very believable and relatable too, and I was very keen to read on to find out what would happen.

In Someone Else’s Wedding, everything is unraveled over the course of the book at exactly the right moment, and at times I was guessing about what I thought would happen, and then there was a twist and I was completely wrong, but it was enjoyable that way! So it is best to go into this story without knowing too much. But what I will say is that Tamar Cohen has created a brilliant and riveting story that will have you turning the pages wanting to know the next part!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored both of Tamar Cohen's previous novels; The Mistress's Revenge and War of the Wives and was very much looking forward to seeing what she would produce next. It's quite difficult to say that an author is a 'favourite' with only two novels to their name, but Someone Else's Wedding has confirmed that yes, Tamar Cohen is right up there as one of my favourites.

The author is skilled at dissecting relationships, a theme that runs through her novels quite clearly. No more so than in Someone Else's Wedding which takes place over 36 hours, in a swish hotel where the guests have gathered to celebrate the marriage of Jamie and Lucy. The central family, the Friedmans have all been invited, and it is Fran Friedman, the mother whose presence is felt strongest by the reader. Fran and her husband Saul appear, on the surface, to be a happily married couple with two grown daughters. Underneath though, they are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a much-wanted and anticipated 'late' baby. Their little girl Molly was stillborn two years ago and this tragic event has changed their lives and how they see each other ever since.

The reader knows that the Friedmans are friends of the groom's family, but it soon becomes very clear that Fran and the groom; Jamie, share something more. Tamar Cohen excels in leading the reader up the garden path, only to make a sharp turn just when you think you've worked it out.

This story is a pretty intense read, there is a darkness and air of foreboding over the wedding celebrations, with secrets and lies just waiting to escape.

Tamar Cohen portrays her characters brilliantly, none of them are incredibly likeable, not even grief stricken Fran, but each of them are vivid and realistic, even the bit-players that are on the sideline to the story.

I really do enjoy this author's unique style of writing, she turns what could be an ordinary, maybe predictable story into a compelling, sometimes quite chilling read.

A hugely enjoyable read, great characters, clever pacing and enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged right to the very end.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment that Fran wakes alone in the hotel room to that final page, we’re taken through those hours, from 8am Saturday to 7pm Sunday with the undertow of emotions colouring interactions.

With Saul and Fran appearing to be opposites, I wondered what had first attracted them to each other. Saul is pedantic and routine led whereas Fran seems to just flow. When we understand Fran more from her experiences as a child and then teen, it’s obvious the pull Saul had for her.

There is one thing that obsesses Fran and the real reason why is cleverly concealed from the reader. The emotions between two of the characters felt illicit and not quite right – this made me feel uneasy as I couldn’t work out what the undertow was about. I love it when I can’t work it out! When we find out it makes perfect sense to have tangled emotions…

The backstory is shared by Fran reflecting at key points in the story and one specific scene was heart breaking. I cried so much I had to put my Kindle down …

I always think that a 1st person narrative works really well for intimacy and looking below the surface. Fran is a master at observations, reading body language and connotations. I always enjoy a story that exposes underlying thoughts and lays those emotions bare. I found it really easy to identify with Fran and so thought she was a fabulous main character.

Here’s an example of Fran’s observation:

“She’s gone back to the bright, social voice I remember from yesterday’s reception, painting it on top of her real voice like varnish.”

I love Tamar Cohen’s writing style too :)

Fran, husband Saul and daughters Pip and Katy circle around each other with their secrets and hurts set amongst the backdrop of a British wedding (uncomfortable clothes and shoes, over-drinking, overeating and over-reacting).

Someone Else’s Wedding is an interesting and intriguing story, with past events coming to light and past emotions laid bare for healing to take place.

I would like to thank the publishers for approving my request to review via Netgalley.

[Yvann S · Rating 1 out of 5]

Someone Else’s Wedding – Tamar Cohen – 2/10 (DNF)

From the blurb, because it's very cleverly done:
Mr & Mrs Max Irving request the company of:
Mrs Fran Friedman, mourning her empty nest, her lost baby, the galloping years, and a disastrous haircut.
Mr Saul Friedman, runner of marathons, avoider of conflicts and increasingly distant husband.
The two Misses Friedman, Pip and Katy, one pining over the man she can’t have, the other trying to shake off the man she no longer wants.
At the marriage of their son James Irving, forbidden object of inappropriate and troubling desire.

I never got off the ground with this one. I found Fran self-indulgent, self-pitying and the mystery of her relationship with the groom was very strange. Surely they should be totally different generations? Saul and the daughters were interesting characters and Cohen comes out with a spectacular turn of phrase every now and again, but I got really tired of Fran’s voice. DNF, and sharpish.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read several books by this author now and she is definitely growing on me. I listened to the audiobook (as is my usual practice) and this one was excellently done - the voices used for all the different characters definitely brought it to life in a very realistic way (quite a feat for one narrator to render individual male and female voices so well) ... I was able to build up a clear mental picture of everybody.

The main character is annoying, self obsessed, selfish, but not enough to detract from an interesting tale. My only quibble really deals with what is revealed at the end How could she be so sure that Jamie's father was the man when raped her rather than the married man she had just had sex with?

[Eva · Rating 1 out of 5]

*spoiler-alert*. The book started really good. The build-up of every character is well done. But then the truth about Fran and Jamie revealed and I was so so so dissappointed. For soms reason I couldn't finish the book. The fact that he is her son feels like a really weird way to keep people entertained and intrigued and for me it was a dealbreaker. I really hopes it was just your normal everyday affair... And to be honest, the sad stuff about Molly irritated me at times. Yes, it is awful and yes of course you're still in pain, but I don't have to read about it in every chapter.

[Sharon Chapter One, Page One.. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fat * * * * from me!

Someone Else’s Wedding is an enjoyable read that takes place over two days at a wedding.

Tamar Cohen brilliantly draws the reader in and cleverly presents us with some surprising twists as we read on. The characters are plenty and varied but written in well so we’re not overwhelmed with information.

Having read Tamar’s fantastic “War of the Wives” previously, this author is definately one I will eagerly watch out for.

An engaging, enjoyable read.

[Haley Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me wondering. Very good.

[Heather W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tamar Cohen is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, and this is based on the fact that I found this book to be her weakest so far. We follow our cast of characters over the course of a wedding that takes place over a weekend. We watch as characters find out secrets about each other, as they try and maintain a façade that everything is ok while at this wedding. It should be noted that there is a serious warning in place for in-depth descriptions of a mother losing her child at birth.

If I'm honest, the main twist is relatively solvable, this isn't an issue in itself and in fact makes the novel easy to read and follow. However, the fact that so much emphasis is placed on the reveal means that afterwards the book lacks tension and any sort of real conflict that I would expect from Cohen. It felt like a rush to the finish and this meant that I wasn't as invested in the story as I was for the first 2/3rds. There was a little bit of drama at the end but it all felt a bit shoehorned in.

The characters were well written and, although the repetition for one of them is slightly irritating it is bearable. I didn't like some of the sudden changes in behaviour or attitude towards other characters (Fran being the main perpetrator of this). I also wish more had been made about the text messages and who was behind them as I think this would have added an extra dimension that the story perhaps lacked. It at times felt that Cohen wanted to include a lot more into this story but ran out of word count so we weren't able to see everything in the detail I would have perhaps liked.

It is an emotional read, with a few twists and surprises but fairly tame when compared to her other novels. I did enjoy it, just perhaps not as much as I would have liked.

[Astrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page turner from Tamar Cohen, who has fast become one of my favourite authors. The twist in this book was fantastic and I did not see it coming.

James Irving is getting married to Lucy. The book documents the day leading up to the wedding, the wedding itself, the after party and the picnic the next day. It's told through the eyes of Mrs Fran Friedman who has been invited to the wedding, along with her husband Saul and their two daughters Pip and Katy. Fran is harbouring a secret throughout the book that is revealed in fantastic fashion near the end. The wedding is portrayed very well - documenting all the stress that the event entails. It doesn't help that Fran and Saul are having marriage difficulties as well [this is also documented throughout the book in flash backs]. It's both funny, sad, dark and entertaining. It kept me so gripped that I read it in one afternoon. Tamar weaves the story wonderfully, intertwining all the guests and their secrets [it's not just Fran who is harbouring one!], she is a fantastic storyteller.

I'd recommend this to anyone who likes books with twists, because this has one hell of one.

[Lucy McLaurin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another spiky woman as the main character (I seem to be choosing them a lot at the moment!)

Fran narrates the story and she really is a difficult woman to understand. She is obviously deeply hurt and her feelings complex and hard for her to understand fully. Which makes it hard to like her in parts. The story is a complicated mix of her unconsciousness and awareness; and as you read on it makes you wonder about why she is the way she is.

There are complicated relationships between her and her husband; their daughters; the wedding’s hosts; and, most perplexing, the groom Jamie. Interesting how it all starts to unravel and things become clearer.

Very well observed and written.

[Danielle Dent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't decide whether this was a 3.5 or a 4 star book! On the plus sides it was well written and I liked how Frans past was woven into the story and it gave you an idea of how her and Saul had come to be in the place they are in. However nothing much really seemed to happen in the present day part of the story apart from a lot of sniping which got a bit boring. It never crossed my mind that Jamie would be the son Fran gave up so that was an unexpected twist. Also I really disliked Katy she was self obsessed and selfish and thoroughly unlikeable.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intense and brilliant book. The story of familial relationships, secrets and endurance. A well told story that went back and forth between the past and the present seamlessly without the need for chapters to be titled to reflect that. Such passion in the telling that I actually felt like I was there routing for certain characters. A twist that I didn't see coming that bought the whole story together and made me reassess the persons involved. Would definitely recommend this book to others

[Frankie Cronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book firstly because it was set in England with all the lovely English idioms and idiosyncrasies which, as an expat, I don’t hear in daily use!

The story jumps around a lot, which at first I found annoying but as the ‘plot’ unfolds it becomes totally understandable. The author reveals all the elements of the story very cleverly and all emotions are brought into play as you empathize with or hate the characters.

A good read.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tamar Cohen is my favourite author, but I was disappointed with Someone Else’s wedding. All of her other books that I’ve read have been so gripping with unexpected twists and clever plots but this book was drawn-out and rambling in places and the ending didn’t tie up the story.
This book was too predictable and actually quite boring in comparison with Tamar Cohen’s other books. I wish there had been an epilogue to explain what happened in the future with Pip’s baby, Saul’s job, the girls’ living arrangements and obviously Francesca’s relationship with Jamie.
However, generally speaking, I did enjoy the story and I know I’m judging it after coming in with pre-conceived high-expectations after being so impressed by Tamar Cohen’s other novels.

[Hannah Manser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my third book by this author and didn’t disappoint. Excellent pace, intrigue, character development and brilliant twists. Cannot wait to read more by Cohen. Highly recommend.

[Marie Connolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book ..caught me out a few times along the way !! Would definitely recommend ..read it in 4 hours ..

[Erika wickwire · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a wild book

[Jojo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Storm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever been obliged to go to a wedding when you'd really rather not? So has Fran. Let the misery ensue...

This book was a nice easy read from the get go, and I found myself very quickly liking the style of writing – an hour by hour account from our leading lady, Fran, and feeling deeply sorry for her; not only for all the misery she has had to endure in her life, but for how painful she anticipates this whole wedding weekend will be. Things got really interesting though, when I discovered some great scandalous gossip flying around at this wedding, and poor Fran is centre stage.

So something a bit untoward is going on – or has done – between Fran and our groom, Jamie. And what with all the marriage counselling Fran and her husband have been seeking - well its all pretty obvious really isn't it...

Then, POW! Nice little bombshell thrown in there – call me naïve if everyone else sees it coming a mile off – but yes, I was duped and it was a belter!

Then it all starts getting a bit uncomfortable, and extremely emotional, and I didn't know if my heart was breaking for poor Fran, or whether I was disgusted with the vile woman.

Now I tend to be quite cryptic with reviews, as I believe you want me to tell you if the book was decent or naff – you don't want a blow by blow account – or why bother reading it yourself? So all I will say is that another little bombshell comes along later on – and it was very cleverly done. A certain event is hinted at, but is placed neatly amongst such storytelling that you naturally put all the pieces together and assume the obvious...Wrong! You will be led right up the garden path with that one.

So we have some discomfort, some scandal, some bloody outrageously snobby and fake wedding guests, some spoilt daughters, a clueless husband, a super-hot groom who is actually a bit of a git, a nasty little bride, some mysterious text messages, some serious wine drinking, a couple of corking plot twists and then...

Well... then they all went home didn't they?!

I felt the ending was really quite lacking actually. Admittedly I can't think where the story could have gone, but I know I was left wanting. Nothing was done to ease the discomfort I felt on behalf of all involved, and although I wasn't waiting for a 'happily ever after', I did feel the need for some sort of closure. The second of the two main bombshells comes right at the end, and it was a clever bit of misdirection so I felt it deserved a bit more attention. But as it was, a really rather dysfunctional family went to a wedding full of other dysfunctional families, a heck load of scandal was revealed, and then they all went home.

Probably a good pool-side read; easy-going and not consuming at all – probably written well enough to be just on the better side of trashy chick-lit.

*My thanks to the author and publishers for providing this book for review.

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having thoroughly enjoyed Tamar Cohen’s debut novel The Mistress's Revenge and more recently her foray into psychological suspense with The Broken I was keen to see what her third novel, Someone Else’s Wedding had to say for itself.

Tamar Cohen has a quite distinctive writing style which is full of observational humour and so the setting is perfect, after all there are very few occasions with such a rigid structure full of so many people who probably wouldn’t otherwise be in the same room.

This book is slightly different because while those moments of humour are still there this book has a fundamental sad tinge to it which doesn’t lend itself quite so well to humour and our chief protagonist Fran Friedman is prone to more than a little introspection. Fran and Saul have been married for many years, have two adult daughters but their marriage has been frayed by the fact that their late baby was still-born and secrets and resentments have built up to an untenable level.

There are plenty of secrets to come out over the course of the extended weekend though as being a Bank Holiday one day isn’t enough for Jamie, son of Max and Lynn Irving and his bride the lovely Lucy. The book’s chapters each relate to the hours of the wedding and each one appears to hold a different secret or conundrum. Throughout the day Fran is receiving texts from an unknown number telling her to leave Jamie alone, Fran and Saul’s adult daughters have their own secrets which need to be dealt with all while keeping the mask of respectability firmly in place during the nuptials.

This was a good read, despite it not being as funny as I expected from the synopsis as it deals with some weighty issues. The characterisation was really well done, the relationship between Fran and her younger daughter Katy was a brilliant description of a loving yet sometimes critical mother and her slightly stroppy daughter, independent but not yet secure enough to make her way in the world without an admiring audience.

A good book, funny but not outrageously so, big issues and a good conclusion made this an enjoyable read so I am now going to complete the set of Tamar Cohen’s books by reading The War of The Wives.

I’d like to thank the publishers Random House UK for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Lainy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time taken to read - in and out over 4 days

Pages - 288

Publisher - Double Day

Source - Shop

Blurb from Goodreads

Mr. & Mrs. Max Irving request the company of:

Mrs. Fran Friedman, mourning her empty nest, her lost baby, the galloping years, and a disastrous haircut.

Mr. Saul Friedman, runner of marathons, avoider of conflicts and increasingly distant husband.

The two Misses Friedman, Pip and Katy, one pining over the man she can't have, the other trying to shake off the man she no longer wants.

At the marriage of their son James Irving, forbidden object of inappropriate and troubling desire.

For thirty-six hours of secrets and lies, painted-on-smiles and potential ruin. And drinks, plenty of drinks.

There's nothing like a wedding for stirring up the past. As Fran negotiates her way from Saturday morning to Sunday evening she is forced to confront things she's long thought buried, sending shockwaves through her family, and to make decisions about the future that will have far-reaching consequences for them all.




My Review

Fran, Saul & their two daughters are invited to a wedding, everyone knows anything can happen at a wedding. Fran is uncomfortable around the groom, why? Her husband is focused on his running marathons, her daughters are constantly at loggerheads vying for attention. Fran mourns the loss of her baby and the wedding makes her reminisce, weigh up her life as it is and question her future.

I didn't read the blurb for this book so had no idea what was coming, there is something seriously wrong with Fran and the groom. Inappropriate texts, looks, hints but what exactly is going on and who wants Fran to stay away?

The book looks at family dynamics, relationships, secrets, loss, lies, love and what it can do to a family. Actions and consequences, how easy it is to find yourself in a situation outwith your control and how one small choice can have huge ripples.

It took me a wee bit to settle into it, the intrigue is there from the beginning, Cohen has a fantastic ability to weave a tale and holding much from the reader, teasing it out in bits. Whilst I didn't love the conclusion I think it is a personal taste thing as so many loved it. I find her writing to be compelling and whilst this isn't one of my favourites I do recommend it. 3/5 for me this time, I aim to read more by this author!

[Roz ~ My Written Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can read my other reviews at My Written Romance.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by Transworld Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My rating: 3 out of 5

This was a difficult one for me to review. I began Someone Else's Wedding with a great sense of anticipation - the blurb had an air of something very interesting for me. Even though this book falls into the women's contemporary fiction genre as opposed to my usual romance, the hint of drama had me intrigued.

However, I came away from this book with an overwhelming feeling of ambivalence towards the story.

I'll start off by saying Tamar Cohen has a fine voice, and is an excellent writer. However, I think what it was that didn't quite deliver the experience I was looking for was the story itself.

While I enjoy stories that hint at the secrets of the past lurking beneath the surface, I found myself guessing a little too early on what the connection between Fran and Jamie was. While I hadn't been expecting the final revelation, I also didn't see how that bombshell was sufficiently addressed or resolved.

There were some interesting parallels between the lives of mother and daughter, and I thought they were done well. But I found the overall vibe of Someone Else's Wedding to be a little disjointing, and Fran's internal dialogue and angst became somewhat testing on occasion.

I'm rating this book a 3 because, even though my enjoyment of it was not up there, I can appreciate that it was well-written and I suspect that if it had been crafted by less-skilled hands, I may not have finished it.