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The Wedding That Almost Wasn't

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It’s time to fall in love. Literally.

American Emily Jackson has been in love with her best friend’s oldest sister Savannah for as long as she can remember. Which is why a family wedding in far-off Scotland is a dream come true. A week trapped in the Highlands with Savannah is exactly what she needs to prove that they belong together.

Harry Lorde has a problem. Attractive women make her fall over, spill drinks, and generally make an idiot of herself. Understandably, this has made dating not just hard, but impossible. So she’s not expecting much in terms of romance when she heads to her best friend Gabe’s wedding in Scotland.

But when sabotage starts to threaten not just the wedding, but also Harry’s dog Elsie, Harry and Emily find themselves on the case. The mystery might be deepening, but so are the feelings, and best of all, Harry hasn’t fallen over once.

Love has many faces, and while romance fan Emily is expecting fireworks, Harry’s just afraid all those bangs might come from her falling downstairs. But with disbelieving best friends, femme fatale sisters, a movie star handsome hotel receptionist, and a dog that can’t get enough bacon, this is going to be a wedding to remember. And two of the guests are about to lose their hearts, hopefully to the right people...

The Wedding that Almost Wasn’t is a lesbian romance featuring a very happy ending, from bestselling Sapphic writer Sienna Waters, author of The Wrong Date, Crossing the Pond, and Teaching Hope.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2024

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Sienna Waters

77 books242 followers

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5 stars
233 (48%)
4 stars
156 (32%)
3 stars
76 (15%)
2 stars
17 (3%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Gail.
990 reviews60 followers
January 13, 2024
Sienna Waters' writes cozy romance books that make me smile.
Her latest lead characters are lovelorn Emily and dithering Harry, a destination wedding, Scotland, mystery and romance. Emily and her best friends (sisters Sara, Sabrina and Savannah) are going to Scotland for Sabrina's wedding. Emily has carried a torch for Sav for years and hopes she can get a chance alone with Sav to unburden her heart. Harry is also on the way to Scotland - her best bud Gabe is the groom to be and her role as bestperson crucial. Harry and Emily meet on the train - it's kind of funny how that comes about. There is some angst, klutziness and mysterious "accidents" at the hotel mixed with sparking love before the happy ending. I disliked Sav as a tease and thought Elsie stole the plot as doggie cupid.
Another easy, quick and spirit lifting read from the author.
Profile Image for Lyn Denison.
Author 16 books64 followers
January 4, 2024
I feel I should start this with a heart-felt, satisfied sigh. This story is so genuinely romantic that you’ll want to give the MCs a squishy hug. I know I did. As usual with Sienna Waters’ so well-written books you’re immediately there in the middle of a slice of life. The entire cast of characters are so real and enhance the journey of a likeable couple to their happy-ever-after. On top of that, there’s the nicest ‘first kiss’ scene I’ve read in a long time.
Profile Image for Sofia.
119 reviews5 followers
Read
February 3, 2024
i would love to write a cute little feel-good book like this and the little mystery side plot of whodunnit would be revealed as like a talking animal but then i’d make the characters not even fazed by the talking animal they’d just be like ohhh. it’s so clear in my head
Profile Image for Vita L. Licari.
957 reviews48 followers
January 15, 2024
What a cute, sweet love story. Emily and Harry are so adorable. And Elsie the dog is sweet. You'll enjoy this romcom immensely! 5 stars!
122 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2024
SW does it again. A book you can totally get lost in and just enjoy. The characters are all so real and believable. I liked all the characters, even the ones I wouldn’t be friends with irl. The plot has a bit of a mystery / investigation vibe to it as well as the romance which was an unusual but enjoyable twist.
I love the mix of US and UK settings and characters and language which SW does do well.
Overall a lovely read. You know it’s good when despite the HEA you are sad because you’ve finished the book. Totally recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
52 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2024
It’s easy to sell me on a sapphic romance but I was so deeply bored by these characters. The falling in love with someone over a week trope just doesn’t work for me I suppose. And these characters all fail to be likable or interesting.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,355 reviews78 followers
January 13, 2024
Uber immersive brilliance! Emily and Harry meet on a train up to Scotland for a highland wedding . Harry is best person to the groom . Emily is best friend to sister of the bride. She’s also got a massive crush on Savannah her bff’s other sister….The two new friends get caught up in a mystery and find Harry’s dog under threat and the wedding sabotaged , can they save the wedding and end up with the right partners when they go under cover as they fake date to keep Gabe the groom off Harry’s back about being single at the wedding and Emily is trying to make her crush jealous so she will fall madly in live and they will …yup she’s read too many fairytale romance stories!! This is a top read , it’s funny , it’s mystery , it’s immersive ( yes I know I’ve said that once but it is ) and oh so feel good. Great characters and the plot sublime, well written story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Robin Clairvaux.
Author 4 books58 followers
January 15, 2024
Adorable!

Harry and Emily meet on their way to a Scottish destination wedding. Fate, along with a fake dating scheme and a hilariously amateur investigation into possible bridal sabotage push them together, but is a wedding really the place to find true love?

The Wedding That Almost Wasn’t is an adorable, funny, and uplifting story filled with a charming romance, a hint of mystery, and entertaining characters. The two main characters, in particular, are endearing as they navigate the complexities of friendship and matters of the heart. The connection that develops between them is sweet and refreshingly authentic, and it is absolutely delightful to watch unfold.

Cozy and heartwarming, The Wedding That Almost Wasn’t is a perfect read to cuddle up with on a quiet evening or a lazy weekend.
648 reviews6 followers
January 15, 2024
OMG what a delightful love story!

I just love the writing style of Sienna Waters. I have been mesmerized by this story from page one. I have read so many mysteries that I thought I had this one in the bag early on, yet was rather surprised at the last twist, and then thrilled by the way the story played out. The characters developed in a realistic manor, the settings were not contrived and true feelings and emotions delivered in great detail. In short a great read by a wonderful author!
Profile Image for Vicky Cruz.
29 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2024
Sweet feel-good HEA sapphic story that mixes a little bit of mystery with a lot of romance.

It has some humor, I really liked it how one of the MCs, Emily, a hopeless romantic, tried to interpret some of the situations under her prism (and the other charming MC, Harry, was the complete opposite).
The characters are believable (not just the main ones), and you are rooting for the happy together from the very beginning, even though it's clear that it will happen!
It is well written, with a complete ending - I love when there is an epilogue that gives you a glimpse into the future.

I really enjoyed it and I totally recommend it if you're looking for a comfort, low angst, lovely reading!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Milena.
476 reviews
January 15, 2024
Welcome to ‘The Wedding That Almost Wasn’t’. Enjoy this wonderful ride of a cute story and the mystery of why the wedding almost wasn’t. I love how the scene was written for Emily's and Harry's first acquaintance and all the chaos that goes with this 1st meeting. Want to know what the main idea of the story is? Here’s an invitation borrow from KU or purchase this story.
Profile Image for Fiery.
203 reviews
April 29, 2026
An interesting read with a mix of whodunit and romance and romcom disaster energy. Several bits had me double checking the age of the MCs but all in all it was a good read.
I'll look out for more works by Sienna Waters

edit...oh wait, I just checked and this is the 2nd of her books I've read. Give her a go!
Profile Image for Deb.
498 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2024
brilliant

Waters has done it again. What a brilliant and funny read. The characters are just what you expect from this author, relatable and loveable. The mystery keeps you thinking and I will admit I got it wrong. This was a really enjoyable read with a HEA.
Profile Image for hannah ✨.
5 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2024
the book was fine but the American characters used British grammar and phrases/slang and it drove me nuts the whole time lol
Profile Image for Rowan.
316 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2024
This is a real feel good book. Main characters are so believable that I was rooting for them from the start. Bit of a mystery thrown in to enhance the story. Well written as you would expect from Ms Waters, would highly recommend.
182 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2024
This is a cute romantic story involving a destination wedding, fake dating, a series of unfortunate incidents, family, friendship and an adorable pup. What's not to like? The story itself is well-written, the plot interesting and the characters a quirky and loveable bunch.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kha.
17 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2024
I have always enjoyed a Sienna Waters novel. That feeling after you finished the book that got you giggling, twirling your hair and kicking your feet.

This is one of the many books written by Sienna that gives you the vibe. Fake dating shenanigans, a destination wedding (with sabotage lol), complex and entertaining characters (one who is obsessed with romance novels like me? I am seated!). I loved all of it! It is heartwarming to read how the story unfolds.

If I see a Sienna Waters novel, I make sure to read it as it will leave you pretty satisfied after. She's also one of my fave sapphic novel authors! I am so glad I am back to reading romance novels again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maliha.
354 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2024
a 4.5 actually!

oh wow where to start? the setting was perfect, everyone was so well written, it literally felt like watching a movie, the dialogue was funny, the chemistry was natural, i literally had the best time reading this
Profile Image for Siddie.
628 reviews11 followers
January 7, 2024
Harry is an independent writer living in London, a gentle, shy and funny woman. One of her favourite pastimes is taking her beloved dog Elsie for long walks. Her best friend Gabe is soon to be married to Sabrina in a magnificent hotel in the Scottish Highlands.
Emily is a veterinarian in Atlantic City, and a lifelong friend to Sara, one of Sabrina’s sisters. Emily has long held a crush on Savannah, Sabrina’s other sister.
As the week long festivities continue, Emily and Harry find themselves acting as amateur sleuths, to find who is trying to sabotage the wedding. And during this time they get more and more attracted to one another.
This is a sweet story - both Emily and Harry are cute, but I found Harry to be so loveable, with her fear of talking to beautiful women. I seemed to develop a crush on Harry during this, she is just my type!
For many reasons, I likened this book to the film ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’, even though there are many major differences…
This is well written, with a good, paced storyline, and very believable main characters.
155 reviews
July 23, 2024
2.8 Beeing in love with your bestfriend older sister, going away in scotland for a wedding, someone trying to sabotage the wedding and meeting a stranger on a train, all good stuff. The book is well written, easly read, have good and interesting caracter


But it was too light and fast for me. The main caracter is suppose to have feeling for someone for years and she get over them it seams in the blink of a page, also at time her falling for the other main carater seems like a second choice. I feel like it when too fast and should have been explore more in dept.

But then again, it would have denature the book, like the whole idea of the book seems to be a funy/silly romance so concidering that i understand the pace its just not for me, I like more feeling and reality

Hallmark movie in a book form. If you like those movie you will like the book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for James The Gullible.
110 reviews
May 19, 2025
Emily Jackson embarks on an exciting journey across the pond to celebrate the wedding of her dear friend Sabrina, who is marrying the charming Englishman, Gabe. Nestled in the breathtaking highlands of Scotland, Emily is filled with anticipation—not just for the wedding, but for a chance to finally win over Savannah, Sabrina's sister.

To spark a bit of jealousy in Savannah, Emily enlists the help of Gabe's delightful "best person," Harry Lorde. Harry, with her wonderful sense of humor and her adorable furbaby, Elsie, brings an extra layer of joy and laughter to the grandeur of the Scottish wedding. Her playful banter and comedic moments create a vibrant, entertaining, and endearing atmosphere.

In return for Harry's assistance, Emily is eager to guide her through the often tricky landscape of dating without getting flustered. Helping each other navigate their personal dilemmas creates a special bond between them and provides some much-needed relief from the pressures of their own romantic pursuits.

However, as Emily and Harry revel in their light-hearted scheme, they uncover a mysterious plot that threatens to disrupt Sabrina and Gabe's wedding. Emboldened by their growing friendship, the two women set out to solve these wedding "crimes."

As their connection deepens, both Emily learns to embrace her self-worth, and Harry blossoms in her newfound confidence, particularly in her first romantic experience with Emily. This book was a delightful escape full of humor and heart, made even more enjoyable by Quinn Riley's fantastic narration. She expertly juggles a variety of accents and characters, ensuring that listeners remain engaged and entertained. I recommend this charming audiobook to anyone searching for a fun and uplifting story!
Profile Image for Jessica Rush.
Author 1 book73 followers
January 5, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
🚆👰‍♀️💐🐕🍫

Another feel-good novel by Sienna Waters. She really is one of my go-to authors and I really have to read her older books one day.

The Wedding That Almost Wasn't, is about Emily and Harry meeting on a train to get to Scotland for a wedding. Emily's best friend's sister and Harry's best friend are getting married and they happen to be getting married in Scotland. Emily is from America and Harry (and her gorgeous dog, Elsie) are from London.

Emily is absolutely obsessed with Romance novels and is set on having her real-life romance novel moment, but she thinks it's going to be with her best friend's other sister Savannah, who is in all senses of the word a mess. Harry gets totally awkward and clumsy around attractive women, and she keeps getting hassled by her best friend Gabe about going stag to his wedding, which she is the Best Person for. So when they are at Scotland Castle for the week, they agree to fake dating to get Gabe off Harry's back, and for Emily to try and make Savannah jealous enough to realise she is in love with Emily.

With wedding sabotage shenanigans and forced proximity, of course, these two cross-ocean beauties fall in love with each other instead. Filled with interesting and hilarious supporting characters and a plot line that makes you wonder who is trying to stop the wedding, this novel is a must-read.

Thanks to Bookspout and Sienna Waters for a copy of the ebook. This review is left voluntarily.
425 reviews4 followers
January 11, 2024
Set in Scotland, my favourite place in the world, Harry’s bff Gabe and Emily’s bff’s sister Sabrina are getting married. In Scotland. In a castle. Well not quite a castle but a stately home (so nearly). Emily and Harry meet on the train to Scotland where Harry who is a calamity around women pours her tea over Emily.
Once at the week long wedding, something is afoot and sabotage is suspected so our intrepid duo set out to find who is behind it.
Harry finds she can fall for a woman without any actual tripping involved and Emily finds that there’s more fish in the sea than selfish Savannah.
This is a brilliant book, filled with the usual wit and also has the proper UK way of speaking.
Elsie is the star of the show though

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Profile Image for Nicole.
460 reviews61 followers
January 6, 2024
The Wedding That Almost Wasn't is such a sugary sweet romance. It was very formulaic, like a Hallmark movie. Very low angst, cute MCs and interesting characters. A quick and easy, feel-good story. You know what you are getting from the start. A comfort read for sure. I enjoyed the setting and the little mystery thrown in, though it was fairly easy to solve early on. There was a sweet dog to round out the cast.
The MCs did seem younger than their intended age and the nicknames for the sisters were grating on me.
The writing was clean and approachable, and the pacing was good, as always for Waters. I recommend as a fast and gentle palate cleanser.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
341 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2024
Super-cute fluffy romance..

This was a really cute fluffy romance about a woman who’s in love with the idea of a perfect romantic love and one who isn’t even sure if it really exists. American Emily comes to Scotland for a wedding with her adopted family, chiefly the three sisters Laretto. One of the three sisters is marrying Brit Gabe whose best friend Harriet (Harry) is his best person. And Emily thinks herself in love with the oldest Laretto sister, Savannah.
Emily and Harry meet on the train to the wedding and in spite of Harry’s usual ineptitude with women, they fall into an easy friendship. Thereafter, there’s a sabotage mystery, a fake romance, a cute dog and a wedding. Meanwhile, Emily and Harry begin to wonder if there may be more between them than either expected…
13 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2025
A cute and sweet read. I like Sienna Waters and I'm so glad more of her books are being made into audiobooks. I like how the character is a romance reader so she's talking about tropes like the whole single bed scenario but it doesn't completely turn out how she expected. It's a low/no angst kind of book which is what I always want.

I do must say to the author that the names of the sisters are too similar to not be confusing. There's Sarah, Sabrina, and Savannah and they're occasionally referred to as Sab and Sav which confused the heck out of me while listening. I'm sure reading it would be fine but for the most part of the book I couldn't tell who they're referring to until I figure out the situation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews