The Wedding

by Kelly Smith

Four friends, one city. Grace, Piper, Sydney and Rachel navigate life, careers, and love in Boston. Each woman is newly single and looking for a fresh start. As their work lives start to look up, they each meet a new man who may be “the one”—or may not. The bond the four women share helps them make better sense of their lives, but at times their friendship causes more issues than it solves. New couples form, and one of them is headed for the altar. But which of the women is about to be a bride?

All along the way, Grace, Piper, Sydney and Rachel are each other’s biggest fans and cheerleaders. The Wedding explores the bond women share and the love they seek.

Genres: Romance

240 pages, Paperback

Published September 17, 2023

About the author

Kelly Smith is a published author originally from Boston, now based in Austin, Texas. After launching her writing career in nonfiction, she transitioned into fiction to explore emotional depth and complexity that only storytelling can reveal.

Kelly's work is known for its authenticity, emotional insight, and compelling characters.

When she's not writing, she enjoys life in Austin, diving into a good book, exploring national parks, hanging with her two schnauzers, and finding inspiration for her next novel in the everyday.

Reviews

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four friends. Four relationships. Love and loss, but friendship endures.

This novel follows four friends, their careers, and the relationships that they form. Some are good, some not so good, but at least these women know who they can count on at the end of the day. Some of the relationships are trainwrecks waiting to happen. You know something isn't right, but you don't know what until the truth is revealed. 

There is a wedding being planned between the chapters, but you have no idea which friend or couple it is until the end. I had my thoughts on who it should be, but I was wrong. You'll have to read the book to find out who the mystery couple is.

As the book progresses, we learn about each woman's past relationships, why they failed, and where their life is going. We saw them enter the dating world, whether they were ready for a relationship or not. But sometimes, you just have to get out there and see what happens.

I appreciated that once the mystery couple was revealed, the last chapter and the wedding shared with us what happened to the other three women in the group. I had a few ideas but wasn't 100% sure what happened to each couple. Also, the last chapter seems to be a few years into the future. This gave a satisfying conclusion to this story.

My only complaint has nothing to do with the story but the eBook. The font is TINY. All ebooks usually load just fine for me, but this one was unreadable on my e-reader, and I had to read it on a larger tablet.

Overall, this is a fun read, and we give it 4 paws up.

[pawsreadrepeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Kelly Smith and iRead Book Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour!

In The Wedding, we meet four friends – Grace, Piper, Sydney and Rachel – as they navigate life, careers, and love in Boston. Each woman is newly single and looking for a fresh start. As their work lives start to look up, they each meet a new man who may or may not be “the one”.

The bond the four women share helps them make better sense of their lives, but at times their friendship causes more issues than it solves. New couples form, and one of them is headed for the altar. But which of the women is about to be a bride?

What a fun read that explores the depths of friendship and sisterhood through these four women. The book is well written and kept me engaged from start to finish. The author did an amazing job of building the characters as well as their interests, releasing details to help the reader better understand each woman. I found myself identifying with each woman for different reasons. All of them are realistically written and I could see myself being friends with them in real life.

I also liked that the author took on emotional topics of relationships. Include the traumas caused whether they be intentional or not. This contemporary love story will have you turning the pages late into the night while trying to figure out the end. I especially love the final twist, which I didn’t see coming yet love! This book gave me all the feels and at its heart is about friendship and those we rely on to get us through the many challenges life throws at us.

Overall, I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from this author!

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of several women, named Grace, Piper, Rachel, and Sydney. All of these women are suffering losses and relationship problems with men. I loved hearing about the stories of how each women were talking about their significant others, the story of meeting them or what happened the last time that they were together.
This is an interesting fiction read that leaves the reader trying to figure out which girl is going to get married by the end of the book as all of them have current or past love interests. I loved the ending how everyone gets their happy ending in this book, and by that I mean all the women find sometimes that not everyone that they start with is those that they end up with.
The writing was very well done with engaging conversational story tone. There are letters and flashbacks that break up the story and I thought that was very creative. I enjoyed the characters; my favorite was Rachel and I feel that she resonated with me at least the best. Great story plot overall and I highly recommend to the fictional and romantic community who want a fairly clean good story about women and their love interests. I really hope that the author writes more of this type of books:)

[Dana McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful book, it was emotional, it was uplifting, it was truly touching. It follows four friends, who I totally want to be friends with. Their relationships, their true genuine connection was a breath of fresh air. I loved how Kelly Smith developed each character in the book. I felt as if I knew each one personally, I cheered for them, and even cried with them while reading.

There was a bit of mystery weaved throughout the story… Which one was going to get married and to whom? I was truly invested, trying to figure out just who it was. I was wrong by the way. LOL

Kelly Smith kept me captivated throughout the book. It was fast paced and a wonderful women’s fiction novel.

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept me guessing whose wedding I was attending. Original, intriguing, and thoughtful, this story of four friends who have each others backs through thick and thin showcased what is most wonderful about female friendship. Although the lack of names or knowledge of whose wedding I was attending was irksome at first, I found this narrative style quickly grew on me because it made me feel like a fifth friend.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book was terrible.1.5 stars really, and only because I felt i was invested and needed to know how everything ended up. the characters were not well developed, the author herself made errors in character references, there were typos everywhere... ugh.

[Alyssa Mohring · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun and fast read. I love the power of friendship the women had. They are there for each other through thick and thin. The writing was good. The plot was good. I loved everyone except Daxton. He is a sleaze bag. I loved having to guess throughout the book who was getting married. I loved how each woman had their own story and how everything came together at the end.

[samspeedreads]

The Wedding by Kelly Smith is a very unique women’s contemporary fiction/romance crossover.

-such a fun vibe! Kind of felt like Sex and the City but if everyone had had a happy ending that lasted
-loved the mystery of the wedding woven throughout! I was definitely invested in finding out which of the girls was getting married, and to who!
-it was fun to get all four girls’ perspectives and backstories! It really felt like they were all equally important to the story and also to each other within the universe even if they didn’t always agree with each other’s actions

Overall this was an enjoyable, fast paced read!

[Sharing My Book Boyfriends · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable story! I loved the tight bond of friendship that Piper, Grace, Rachel, and Sydney shared. They were always there for each other and always wanted the best for one another. They gave advice when needed or a shoulder to cry on. The four friends wanted to find their soulmates, even if it meant using a matchmaking service or reconnecting with an old flame. When they got married, they knew their friends would be there. I loved trying to guess whose wedding was being planned between the chapters. I was invested in Piper, Grace, Rachel, and Sydney's lives, hoping they all found their happy ever after. I look forward to reading more from Kelly Smith in the future.

[Rahel Charikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Wedding" by Kelly Smith is a heartwarming tale of friendship, love, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of Boston. Through the lives of four dynamic women—Grace, Piper, Sydney, and Rachel—the novel explores the complexities of modern relationships, career aspirations, and the enduring power of female friendship.

Smith expertly crafts each character, giving them depth and complexity that resonates with readers. From Grace's quiet strength to Piper's bold ambition, Sydney's vulnerability, and Rachel's resilience, each woman's journey is both relatable and compelling. As they navigate the ups and downs of life and love, their bond serves as a source of comfort, support, and occasional strife, highlighting the complexities of female friendships.

What sets "The Wedding" apart is its authentic portrayal of the challenges and triumphs of modern womanhood. Smith deftly explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness, offering readers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of relationships and the importance of following one's heart.

The novel's depiction of romance is equally engaging, as each woman finds herself navigating the highs and lows of new relationships. Smith skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, keeping readers guessing until the very end about which of the women is destined to walk down the aisle.

At its core, "The Wedding" celebrates the enduring power of female friendship and the strength that comes from supporting one another through life's joys and challenges. As Grace, Piper, Sydney, and Rachel cheer each other on and navigate the twists and turns of their respective journeys, readers are reminded of the transformative power of love and friendship.

Overall, "The Wedding" is a delightful and heartwarming read that will resonate with fans of contemporary women's fiction. Kelly Smith's poignant storytelling and richly drawn characters make this novel a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories of love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness.

[LittlePiscesReading]

The writing’s in third person but closes in on different characters’ perspectives at times – without always seeming in-character. ‘Token red head’ is an odd way to view your friend. Similarly the break up flashbacks all go from one to a hundred in seconds. None of the characters know how to communicate which is fine – except they all miscommunicate the exact same way.

The premise promises character driven narratives. It’s not until chapter three that Sydney becomes distinct. Even so her date with Daniel is a summary. You’re not interested in writing it, why should I be in reading it? I got to Sydney’s gran dying hours after learning mine did and felt nothing. It’s disappointing, especially as a later crisis is affective and engaging.

Structuring the story by building up repeatedly to revelations then having the characters talk about it at a later date, isn’t a style I enjoy. It wildly undercuts tension. In other circumstances, however, it utilises this style effectively, segueing naturally. And when it doesn’t tip too far, I appreciate the directness. The chapter titles are also a touch I enjoyed.

‘Most mysterious friend’ is an odd way to introduce a character. But even from the beginning, when they were least distinguishable, you knew who was who. It constantly builds their characters. And speaking of character, I usually hate when anyone not on the side of the protagonists are bad. It’s shallow. I didn’t mind here. I like that they can be nippy sweeties, and judgemental and superior. Still, the sheer not-like-other-girls of it could be painful at times.

It’s sad a book so focused on friendship tended to be most interesting when they were with their partners though. Most of the conflicts lay in other relationships and so they were fleshed out with more stakes. But it’s a quick read and compelling.

Thanks to iReadBookTours and author Kelly Smith for this review copy. I leave this review voluntarily.

[Mahathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wedding is the story of 4 friends - Piper, Grace, Sydney and Rachel. The story is about their relationship problems. Ladies help each other and support when one encounters problems with their love life. They make it easy for their friend to take the right decision. Isn't it that what the friends are for?

What I loved?

I loved the characters and their uniqueness. I loved their honesty in relationships. I love the way the friendship is portrayed in this story. The friendship is the hero of the story which guides it all along.

I loved Piper especially - the chirpy and bubbly young woman always ready to lend a hand when her friends are in trouble. I loved the character of Sydney, and I could relate how it is difficult to forget a person that you love and start a new life altogether. Sydney is inspiring.

The story line is a Contemporary women Fiction and it is fun to read. Overall a wonderful story of love, loss and friendship.

What could have been better?

The narrative might have been little better. It is confusing as the narrative changes between characters and also between their past and present. An extra suspense is by the wedding preparations by a couple who we don't know until the end of the book.

I couldn't relate to the character of Rachel and Marcus. After living together for 2 years, it's little unbelievable how they are separated and come back together. But, Life is sometimes un-predictable. I understand.

I didn't feel the title is apt. Ofcourse, the story is around the wedding preparations of a mystery couple, but I felt the title would be related to friendship. The book cover is apt for the title though.

If you have girl friends who support each other emotionally, you will love this book and can relate to it so well. For others, it's a fun chick-lit.

My Rating: 4/5

PS: I received this book for free in exchange of a review and this is my honest opinion on the book.

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the contemporary romance “The Wedding, Kelly Smith shares the story of four friends navigating the complexities of life, career, and romance. Grace, Piper, Sydney, and Rachel are newly single, and each is seeking a fresh start as their careers flourish in Boston, Massachusetts.

When they encounter new romantic interests, they question whether these relationships are merely fleeting encounters or destined for lasting love. Their friendship creates both a source of support and the occasional complication. Friendship and romance sometimes create complex situations.

It’s a well-kept secret which of these new couples will make it to the wedding stage. I enjoyed that the author satisfyingly closes each storyline. The story maintains a compelling pace along with the mystery to ensure that readers are captivated until the final pages.

Kelly Smith skillfully tells a story that celebrates the power of female friendship while exploring the universal search for love and fulfillment. The dynamics between the characters are engaging and very relatable.

“The Wedding” is a tale about the enduring strength of friendship and the pursuit of happiness. Its uplifting tone and emotional depth make it enjoyable for diverse audiences. The story is well-written, and the characters should be relatable to a wide variety of readers.

The Wedding is an uplifting, emotional, entertaining story.

Visit my website, https://ginaraemitchell.com, to learn more and read a guest post from the author.

[Erin Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨
REVIEW - BOOK TOUR

The Wedding - Kelly Smith

4/5⭐️

✨✨✨✨✨✨
What a beautiful book on the outside and inside! This is a group of friends I will never stop thinking about. I absolutely loved them all. This book really made me feel like I was watching it all happen in real time. You could feel their love and pain while reading. Definitely teared up at points and big cheesy smiles at others. I truly could not figure out who was the one getting married until the very end. Those letters/parts of telling us all the wedding and events leading up to were such a cool aspect to the book! These women feel so much pain but also so much love throughout their journey. Luckily the friendship is always there. I seriously loved Piper and Rachel! Overall such a great read and totally recommend.

📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Love after loss
- Sisterhood
- Family bonds
- Mystery
- Wedding planning
- Friendships dynamics
- Second Chance romance
… You should definitely check this out

📚📚📚

Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #AD
@katerockbooktours @kellysmithauthor

✨What’s a current read,listen or watch for you?

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[Paulina Bellantonio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always drawn to books about female friendship. Women are such complex creatures - we have so many feelings! - and their friendships can be so fascinating both individually between two people and in a group and how all those individual relationships intertwine!

I was hooked on this one from the first page - the setting a fabulous party at a city hot spot of the type that I’d never be glamorous enough to attend - and four women, all different but each newly single!

I haven’t been single in a LOOOONGGG TIME?! Did I live vicariously through them?! Of course, I did! Am I happy I’m not single - mostly? 🤣🫣

I loved the dynamics of these friendships and how Grace, Piper, Sydney and Rachel all supported each other and back each other up in a storm (of life).

My favorite part was the alternating timeline. The whole book we know someone is about to be newly engaged - but we get a slow glimpse into how the relationship began and don’t actually find out the identity of the bride until much later in the book! Such a clever concept!

If you’re looking for a fun read about female friendship with some romance sprinkled in - go grab a copy! It’s available now!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful stories of friendship, families, tragedy, and above all love

Four beautiful women with different, unique characters and successful in their ways. Four individual women but together as one for the love of friendship which I enjoy reading. These women are so lucky to find each other.

Piper reminds me of my own story, especially about our mother. It is a beautiful but heartbreaking story. A beautiful friendship is hard to find. I thought I found mine but I was wrong. I am so happy for these women.
I read this book while I was traveling on the bus to Bologna Italy a few weeks ago. This book is hard to put down and even though I am out of the country, I continue to read it. What a relaxing way while waiting for our flight. It relaxes me.

Love is so powerful for one character that even if they are far away from each other, the love still exists despite different people. In the end, their happy ending is so beautiful and so are the rest of the women. What a powerful book to read and thankful that you have friends like them in real life.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories about women's friendships, and 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 is just that and so much more. Four friends and a wedding could be its alternate title, as we follow these friends through their daily lives. It’s not all smooth sailing, which is never the case in most relationships. This makes the story relatable and realistic. The story is set in Boston, so it was fun having the author narrate the book with her Boston accent.

What about the wedding, you ask? I’m glad you did. At the beginning of the story, a wedding is being planned, and the preparations continue between the chapters. But we are not privy to knowing which of the friends’ weddings it is. Throughout the book, each woman dates, and we learn of failed relationships and life experiences. But the wedding couple remains a mystery - until the end.

If you enjoy women’s fiction, this is an engaging story with friendship, romance, and a little mystery.

Thank you @KellySmithAuthor @KateRockBookTours and @sunny_day_publishing for the gifted audiobook.

[Tee-Hee Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of potential and promise for the makings of a good book. I liked the idea that it was in third person POV, but each chapter seemed to focus more on one of the girls in particular (kind of like the PLL series, if you’ve read that). The chapters are relatively short, which leads to a lot of page turning and keeps the book moving along.

I liked how we knew in advance that one of them was going to get married, but we didn’t know which one. Names were never listed in those sections, so it kept you guessing as you read as to which girl and which guy they were narrating about. However at first this did confuse me, as it switched timing. Such as we were reading about the couples as they dated, but then it would jump forward to the proposal, the engagement, etc. Once I knew what was going on, I understood just find though!

If you like women’s fiction, girl friend groups, and drama, you may like this book!

Overall I rate this book:

🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars

[the_romance_regent · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Wedding” by Kelly Smith is an absolute treat! Picture this: four fabulous friends—Piper, Grace, Rachel, and Sydney—living their best (and sometimes messiest) lives, growing as people, and being the ultimate hype squad for each other. It’s like the group chat you wish you were in, full of love, laughter, and serious girl power. Who doesn’t love a story where friendship shines brighter than ever?

Now, here’s the kicker: there’s a wedding being planned, but you have no clue whose it is until the very end. I had my guesses (I 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 I was right—turns out, I wasn’t), but the mystery kept me hooked. I loved trying to figure it out! Each chapter drops just enough clues to keep you guessing, all while diving into the lives of these four amazing women. By the time the big reveal came, I was totally invested in all their stories, rooting for each of them to find their happily ever after.

If you’re into contemporary women’s fiction with a side of intrigue, this one’s a must-read!

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four friends Grace, Piper, Sydney and Rachel and close and are each newly single with careers. They navigate life together and as each of them fall in love their bonds will be stretched to the limits. I loved the authors descriptive writing as it makes you feel like you are the one experiencing the drama in the book. The girls strong bond was beautiful to watch and I loved how it strengthened as they face the hardships in life and love. I liked that the characters were not flawless and this made them easily relatable. The mystery of the wedding which is interwoven during the story had me guessing and eagerly wanting to find out who would be getting married. I laughed and cried but most of all I adored reading this book!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about the friendship of four women and how they rely on and lean on one another throughout their dating challenges, and their overall life mishaps, victories and achievements. Kelly Smith has written a meaningful friendship story and an amazing romance story that is perfectly tied together and so entertaining. Her characters are flawed, and endearing. The narrative and dialog kept me engaged and captivated from start to finish. Her descriptive writing style had me picturing every scene, character, and romantic moment clearly. It is a wonderful friendship and romance story that is stirring and meaningful. I recommend The Wedding to all contemporary romance lovers.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is very well written with incredible relatable characters. The various life difficulties and triumphs kept me turning the pages quickly. It is a very realistic story with life’s challenges around every corner, but also inspirational and lovely moments that kept me smiling. Kelly Smith is an incredible storyteller and creates characters that will remind you of yourself and those you love. Friendship is a main theme in this story, and I love how the author portrays the varying aspects of relationships, and the dialog is near perfect. The romance in this story is so passionate and deep. This is a wonderful touching contemporary romance novel and I totally recommend it.

[Mrs Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wedding holds a lot more emotion than I was prepared for. I loved that this book wasn't about only one couple meeting and their love story, but four women's journey through life. This is a different perspective from what I am used to and I will definitely be looking for more books that follow multiple people. Ms Smith's writing is wonderful and descriptive. I could imagine myself in the characters shoes, even at times when I was heartbroken.

I enjoyed this book and will recommend it to others. Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion. Please be aware of any trigger warnings, as your mental health is most important.

[Jacqueline Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows four friends as they navigate careers and relationships. They have many ups and downs but with each other by their side they can count on each other. Some friendships are meant to be saved and some are meant to be let go. The story is based around a wedding we get bits of pieces of it but we never know who it is until the end. I enjoyed getting to experience some new relationships while letting go of others even when they aren’t ready to move on or forward. I love the tie in at the end we see who gets married and what happens to the other couples. Great story about women and the power of their friendships.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story about sisterhood, freindship, love and strength. I couldn't put this novel down. The characters are amazing and realistic. This is also a contemporary love story. The author is an incredible writer and imaginative storyteller. The storyline kept me completely glued to the pages and the surprise ending sealed it for me. Can't wait to read more by Kelly Smith. I highly recommened The Wedding.

[Mara Roane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found The Wedding a moving and captivating read. The author does a great job exploring the various interesting, intriguing and stirring themes in the book. The main characters are relatable, and their stories are touching. It is a wonderful story that touches on the many emotions of trauma due to relationships, romance, love and the many changes and challenges, good and bad, in life. I loved this story and am looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Kristen Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy read. The book follows four friends who are there for each other through everything including love, loss, and their careers. There is a wedding being planned, but the reader does not know which couple is getting married. I had my suspicions but was wrong in the end. This book kept me reading needing to know who was getting married. I enjoyed the friendships and sisterhood that these women had and how they always had each other’s backs. Highly recommend!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall this was a sweet story about 4 friends and their relationships. I liked getting each woman’s POV and wondering how each relationship would end up. It’s a surprise whose wedding is happening at the end and I enjoyed guessing who it was going to be!

I did find the writing to be a little disjointed and the dialogue unnatural, which took away from my enjoyment.

[Paula Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

These four friends are remarkable women with stories that I was invested in from the start. I enjoyed their love stories, the drama, & shared friendship. The kicker is that a wedding is being planning & we don’t find out which friend it is until the end! This contemporary women’s fiction with some intrigue dropped in, is a wonderful read!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Kelly Smith's The Wedding was a fantastic novel to spend my time on a gloomy, rainy day. It made me forget all about the dark clouds outside and brought a little brightness into my life for the moment. It was a story of loss, love, and friendship. It was great meeting Grace, Piper, Sydney and Rachel. The foursome had a beautiful and special bond with one another. I enjoyed getting to know each one and seeing what would happen to them and what changes they would experienced. I felt as though I was part of their group. I was curious to see which one would be walking down the aisle next. I loved going on this emotional and relatable journey with these women and finding out where they are in the end. It was not hard for me to continuing reading the whole novel in one sitting. I loved every single page.

Five plus stars is what The Wedding deserves. I highly recommend it for fans of adult fiction and contemporary romance will not want to miss it. It is most definitely worth a reading. I would love to read more books like this one from the talented author, Kelly Smith, in the future. I am curious to see what releases she has in store for her characters and readers.

I received a paperback copy of Kelly Smith's The Wedding from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.