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Шаферки
Четири сватби. Три бивши гаджета. Две опасни тайни. И един страхотен мъж.
Иви Харт напрегнато се подготвя да изпълни задълженията си на шаферка на сватбата на една от най-добрите й приятелки. В обичайната за такива моменти суматоха Иви зърва измежду гостите много привлекателен мъж. По-късно тя има възможността да опознае Джак, който успява да я впечатли не само с атрактивна външност, но и с приятното чувство за хумор и висок интелект. Ентусиазмът й е охладен, когато разбира, че той придружава на сватбата красивата и подла Валентина.
Все пак Джак показва, че е сериозно заинтригуван от Иви, но нещата между тях не потръгват гладко. Бившите гаджета на журналистката постоянно се появяват в най-неподходящите моменти, а самата тя непрекъснато изпада в глупави ситуации. А когато Джак не изпълнява обещанието си да се обади, младата жена изпада в отчаяние. Нима Иви вечно ще изпълнява ролята на шаферката и никога на булката?
Иви Харт напрегнато се подготвя да изпълни задълженията си на шаферка на сватбата на една от най-добрите й приятелки. В обичайната за такива моменти суматоха Иви зърва измежду гостите много привлекателен мъж. По-късно тя има възможността да опознае Джак, който успява да я впечатли не само с атрактивна външност, но и с приятното чувство за хумор и висок интелект. Ентусиазмът й е охладен, когато разбира, че той придружава на сватбата красивата и подла Валентина.
Все пак Джак показва, че е сериозно заинтригуван от Иви, но нещата между тях не потръгват гладко. Бившите гаджета на журналистката постоянно се появяват в най-неподходящите моменти, а самата тя непрекъснато изпада в глупави ситуации. А когато Джак не изпълнява обещанието си да се обади, младата жена изпада в отчаяние. Нима Иви вечно ще изпълнява ролята на шаферката и никога на булката?
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2008
56 people are currently reading
3513 people want to read
About the author
Jane Costello
18 books1,100 followersI’m the internationally bestselling author of 15 novels, five of which have been published under the name ‘Catherine Isaac’.
The latest of my ‘heartwarming and hilarious’ romantic comedies is ‘IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE’, the first book I’ve written that has a 40-something main character. My novels have been translated into 26 languages, selected by the Richard & Judy Book Club and I’ve been honoured to win a Romantic Novelists’ Award - twice!
I was born in Liverpool, where I still live with my husband and three sons. When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me on the tennis court, wishing I’d started to play about 25 years before I did.
The latest of my ‘heartwarming and hilarious’ romantic comedies is ‘IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE’, the first book I’ve written that has a 40-something main character. My novels have been translated into 26 languages, selected by the Richard & Judy Book Club and I’ve been honoured to win a Romantic Novelists’ Award - twice!
I was born in Liverpool, where I still live with my husband and three sons. When I’m not writing, you’ll usually find me on the tennis court, wishing I’d started to play about 25 years before I did.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
May 6, 2013
Perfect debut chick-lit title... Read it while still in manuscript and fell in love with Jane's writing... Funny, amusing, you'll enjoy it... Two titles so far translated into Serbian... Author will have tom change publisher... will keep you informed...
May 31, 2025
This book was fine, a typical sunbed read - not very taxing but enough happens to keep you turning the pages.
Middle of the road - three stars.
Middle of the road - three stars.
February 1, 2019
Release Date: March 8, 2008
Genre: Chick Lit
Actual Rating: 5 stars
I know this is an older title but I feel like it would be a disservice not to tell people how freakin awesome this book is! I found myself laughing out loud almost the whole way through. I loved the girls in the novel, how the story revolved around weddings, being a bridesmaid (and never the bride), and friendship. There is a bit of drama towards the end (which was very unexpected), but this book is an all around good read despite this. The only problem with this novel is that it's not available as an eBook. I think this really sucks because many people ONLY read eBooks these days because they are super easy to just download when your in the mood for a certain book. Hopefully the author or a publisher will put it out as an eBook so others can enjoy it as much as I did.
Anyway, I purchased this as a paperback because it was on sale and I was in the mood for a light, fluffy story for chicks. I also couldn't help myself because the cover is so cute (I admit, I purchase books because of covers quite a bit). And overall, I am so happy I did. I plan to buy more of the books in the near future (I have two more books of hers to read first).
Genre: Chick Lit
Actual Rating: 5 stars
I know this is an older title but I feel like it would be a disservice not to tell people how freakin awesome this book is! I found myself laughing out loud almost the whole way through. I loved the girls in the novel, how the story revolved around weddings, being a bridesmaid (and never the bride), and friendship. There is a bit of drama towards the end (which was very unexpected), but this book is an all around good read despite this. The only problem with this novel is that it's not available as an eBook. I think this really sucks because many people ONLY read eBooks these days because they are super easy to just download when your in the mood for a certain book. Hopefully the author or a publisher will put it out as an eBook so others can enjoy it as much as I did.
Anyway, I purchased this as a paperback because it was on sale and I was in the mood for a light, fluffy story for chicks. I also couldn't help myself because the cover is so cute (I admit, I purchase books because of covers quite a bit). And overall, I am so happy I did. I plan to buy more of the books in the near future (I have two more books of hers to read first).
July 9, 2014
There is one thing I should stop doing now. I really shouldn’t limit what I read due to stupid connotations of genres of books.
My mind works like this: YES! Read classics, book prize winners, books that get nominated for the Nobel Prize! If you read these books you shall become a smarter person. People will listen to you more in conversations because you’ve read ‘those books’, and you’ll be an intellectual. You will, trust me.
NO! Don’t read chick-lit, thrillers, romps. You should be exercising your brain at all times. Don’t read what the masses read. Don’t! You’re an individual! Read that one, the one that’s a constant bestseller, that’s sold over 5 million copies, read it because it’s a so-called classic.
Young Adult? Teenage? Do you have to? I mean, no-one will think that you’re smart. But, if you have to, anyway – you are that age.
This is a very stupid way to think. You are limiting your possible enjoyment of books you’re just dismissing. I’m sure everyone who reads will have moments like this. I like to call these moments ‘Reading Demons’.
The problem is, even after reading this book, I had a conversation with people I deemed to be (Shock, horror) “smarter than me” e.g, read more classics than me. I was asked what I like to read. So, instead of launching into how I love The Book Thief, how I can read a Sarah Dessen book at any time, or how I just love Anna and the French Kiss, I just said, “Crap, really.” Which is not a great thing to say. It’s not a particularly great conversation starter, I know. But it was because I was embarrassed that my favourite novels are teenage fiction or romances. I was embarrassed because I couldn’t say War and Peace or something by Charles Dickens.
I’m going to say this again, this is a silly way to act, and it’s a silly way to feel – to be embarrassed by what you like.
And, so I’m going to say – unashamedly, that I really liked this book. Bridesmaids wasn’t flawless. Do I care? Nope, because I was engrossed in the story, the characters and I flew through the book. So, as we – I – have learnt in this long review that is not all a review, is to like what you like. To love what you love. And now, after I read this book and realised that chick-lit can be just as great as other novels I have read, will go by that.
My mind works like this: YES! Read classics, book prize winners, books that get nominated for the Nobel Prize! If you read these books you shall become a smarter person. People will listen to you more in conversations because you’ve read ‘those books’, and you’ll be an intellectual. You will, trust me.
NO! Don’t read chick-lit, thrillers, romps. You should be exercising your brain at all times. Don’t read what the masses read. Don’t! You’re an individual! Read that one, the one that’s a constant bestseller, that’s sold over 5 million copies, read it because it’s a so-called classic.
Young Adult? Teenage? Do you have to? I mean, no-one will think that you’re smart. But, if you have to, anyway – you are that age.
This is a very stupid way to think. You are limiting your possible enjoyment of books you’re just dismissing. I’m sure everyone who reads will have moments like this. I like to call these moments ‘Reading Demons’.
The problem is, even after reading this book, I had a conversation with people I deemed to be (Shock, horror) “smarter than me” e.g, read more classics than me. I was asked what I like to read. So, instead of launching into how I love The Book Thief, how I can read a Sarah Dessen book at any time, or how I just love Anna and the French Kiss, I just said, “Crap, really.” Which is not a great thing to say. It’s not a particularly great conversation starter, I know. But it was because I was embarrassed that my favourite novels are teenage fiction or romances. I was embarrassed because I couldn’t say War and Peace or something by Charles Dickens.
I’m going to say this again, this is a silly way to act, and it’s a silly way to feel – to be embarrassed by what you like.
And, so I’m going to say – unashamedly, that I really liked this book. Bridesmaids wasn’t flawless. Do I care? Nope, because I was engrossed in the story, the characters and I flew through the book. So, as we – I – have learnt in this long review that is not all a review, is to like what you like. To love what you love. And now, after I read this book and realised that chick-lit can be just as great as other novels I have read, will go by that.
December 23, 2020
Even though this is Jane Costello's debut novel, I am getting around to read it now. Having liked most of the author's work that I have read, I had some expectations and I was not terribly disappointed.
Evie has commitment phobia and no matter what happens she cannot sustain a relationship. She is independent and a good friend who is set to be bridesmaid at no less than three weddings in a short amount of time. She fancies a guy she meets at Grace and Patrick's wedding and she keeps meeting him at other weddings as well and they get to know each other.
Evie has a group of college friends -Grace (who gets married at the very beginning), Georgia (who will also get married and Evie will be the bridesmaid). Charlotte, who is very shy, has no confidence and isn't happy with her body. Valentina, who is very happy with herself and has tons of confidence and who is always honest about everything even though her honestly annoys most of the people.
What I really liked about the book was their friendship even though I didn't understand why they were friends with Valentina. Yes, we all have one Valentina in our group but I personally don't think I can be close friends with them. I also liked Evie's relationship with her mum. Evie will be a bridesmaid at her mum's wedding too.
I also liked that the chapters were very short and I find books with short chapters quicker to read. Jane Costello's writing was simple and easy to read.
Jack was a lovely character. He was warm, down to earth, good looking and very likable. I liked Evie's character until she started lying to Jack and made things up that were just too silly.
Now on to the things that I didn't like was obviously Evie lying to Jack. Charlotte's character. She was shy in the beginning when she thought she was fat and then she started losing weight and became so confident, what happened to the body positivity? I know this came out like twelve years ago so I am able to forgive that but still I just didn't like Charlotte's character from the very beginning. I also didn't like the fact that Evie didn't even once ask Valentina if it was okay for her to date Jack as Jack was Valentina's date at Grace's wedding. By the way, I had suspected Patrick and Charlotte's thing from a mile away.
Although the book wasn't top of the shelf hilarious, I still enjoyed it for the most part.
3 stars
Evie has commitment phobia and no matter what happens she cannot sustain a relationship. She is independent and a good friend who is set to be bridesmaid at no less than three weddings in a short amount of time. She fancies a guy she meets at Grace and Patrick's wedding and she keeps meeting him at other weddings as well and they get to know each other.
Evie has a group of college friends -Grace (who gets married at the very beginning), Georgia (who will also get married and Evie will be the bridesmaid). Charlotte, who is very shy, has no confidence and isn't happy with her body. Valentina, who is very happy with herself and has tons of confidence and who is always honest about everything even though her honestly annoys most of the people.
What I really liked about the book was their friendship even though I didn't understand why they were friends with Valentina. Yes, we all have one Valentina in our group but I personally don't think I can be close friends with them. I also liked Evie's relationship with her mum. Evie will be a bridesmaid at her mum's wedding too.
I also liked that the chapters were very short and I find books with short chapters quicker to read. Jane Costello's writing was simple and easy to read.
Jack was a lovely character. He was warm, down to earth, good looking and very likable. I liked Evie's character until she started lying to Jack and made things up that were just too silly.
Now on to the things that I didn't like was obviously Evie lying to Jack. Charlotte's character. She was shy in the beginning when she thought she was fat and then she started losing weight and became so confident, what happened to the body positivity? I know this came out like twelve years ago so I am able to forgive that but still I just didn't like Charlotte's character from the very beginning. I also didn't like the fact that Evie didn't even once ask Valentina if it was okay for her to date Jack as Jack was Valentina's date at Grace's wedding. By the way, I had suspected Patrick and Charlotte's thing from a mile away.
Although the book wasn't top of the shelf hilarious, I still enjoyed it for the most part.
3 stars
November 2, 2018
I picked this up in Asda one day thinking it was a new novel of hers and then got home and realised that it was just a new cover of an old novel from 2008. Although, to be fair, not that it mattered because it turns out this was on my TBR pile anyway! So was pleased that I managed to pick it up with a cute and pretty new cover. The cover is simplistic but works really well and really draws you in. I like the pastel and bright colours used.
I was in a bit of a reading rut after just finishing about 3 Christmas novels in a row and didn't really fancy reading another one. I wanted something a bit more refreshing and when I started reading this I wasn't sure if this was going to get me out of said rut! It took me a bit of a while to get into it, some parts I had to re-read a line 3 or so times for me to be able to understand what it actually meant! But, the further you read in, the better it becomes! From about half way I was absolutely hooked and couldn't put it down. When it got to this point I was pleased I didn't give up and finished it to the end as I was so eager to find out how it ended!
The blurb didn't give much away, as it only really mentioned main character Evie and Grace's wedding - where she meets Jack. So I didn't know how the entire book was going to pan out, but of course knew the storyline was going to surround weddings. Evie was a really lovely and funny character. At some points in this novel I found myself laughing out loud because some of the things Evie went through was just hilarious! (Like Gareth for example! How much bad luck can one bridesmaid get?!) I really liked Evie and felt myself really feeling sorry for Grace - and hating Patrick! Valentina was another funny one who I liked, even though she was really self-absorbed I found her great fun.
Without giving too much away, I really enjoyed this novel in the end, even though I thought I wasn't going to when I first started it! It was funny, a bit emotional in parts and just completely unputdownable. A fab book that really helped me get out of my reading rut! I would definitely recommend you pick one up, especially with the gorgeous new cover.
I was in a bit of a reading rut after just finishing about 3 Christmas novels in a row and didn't really fancy reading another one. I wanted something a bit more refreshing and when I started reading this I wasn't sure if this was going to get me out of said rut! It took me a bit of a while to get into it, some parts I had to re-read a line 3 or so times for me to be able to understand what it actually meant! But, the further you read in, the better it becomes! From about half way I was absolutely hooked and couldn't put it down. When it got to this point I was pleased I didn't give up and finished it to the end as I was so eager to find out how it ended!
The blurb didn't give much away, as it only really mentioned main character Evie and Grace's wedding - where she meets Jack. So I didn't know how the entire book was going to pan out, but of course knew the storyline was going to surround weddings. Evie was a really lovely and funny character. At some points in this novel I found myself laughing out loud because some of the things Evie went through was just hilarious! (Like Gareth for example! How much bad luck can one bridesmaid get?!) I really liked Evie and felt myself really feeling sorry for Grace - and hating Patrick! Valentina was another funny one who I liked, even though she was really self-absorbed I found her great fun.
Without giving too much away, I really enjoyed this novel in the end, even though I thought I wasn't going to when I first started it! It was funny, a bit emotional in parts and just completely unputdownable. A fab book that really helped me get out of my reading rut! I would definitely recommend you pick one up, especially with the gorgeous new cover.
September 18, 2015
Aj nek' je 2,5! ;)
Previse razlicitih filmova u jednom loncu. Previse ironicnih/sarkasticnih usporedbi (inace to volim) po stranici, pocne biti jakoo naporno i iritantno cak! :/ A prica, ko prica... Procitas i zaboravis..
Previse razlicitih filmova u jednom loncu. Previse ironicnih/sarkasticnih usporedbi (inace to volim) po stranici, pocne biti jakoo naporno i iritantno cak! :/ A prica, ko prica... Procitas i zaboravis..
February 25, 2011
I hate these books, I really really do. This type of chick lit really gets on my nerves (with only one exception, and that would be Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic Series) and I hate it that I have a weak spot for somewhat pretty covers.
They are like historical romances, that I like very much, but they happen in the real world. In the modern world. And I cannot, for the sake of my brain functioning properly, really get into these types of romances because they give me ideas. Ideas that are definitely not right for my measly love life, because, let's face it, I don't even remember when was the last time I fell in love, let alone had so many screaming orgasms my vocal cords wouldn't work. So, no, these books giving me ideas that it happens just around the corner for everyone (except me) doesn't do it for me, and I like to keep my head on my neck.
I just don't like these books, and frankly, this one doesn't have anything that separates it from all the others of it's genre. Living in a city, working your ass off, meeting a guy, falling for a guy, there's some type of shiz-whiz that is supposed to be like A BIG FUCKING DEAL, but everything just passes and goes back to a blissful happily-ever-after everyone expects to happen. I really think I'll stick to historical romances... Or paranormal ones...
They are like historical romances, that I like very much, but they happen in the real world. In the modern world. And I cannot, for the sake of my brain functioning properly, really get into these types of romances because they give me ideas. Ideas that are definitely not right for my measly love life, because, let's face it, I don't even remember when was the last time I fell in love, let alone had so many screaming orgasms my vocal cords wouldn't work. So, no, these books giving me ideas that it happens just around the corner for everyone (except me) doesn't do it for me, and I like to keep my head on my neck.
I just don't like these books, and frankly, this one doesn't have anything that separates it from all the others of it's genre. Living in a city, working your ass off, meeting a guy, falling for a guy, there's some type of shiz-whiz that is supposed to be like A BIG FUCKING DEAL, but everything just passes and goes back to a blissful happily-ever-after everyone expects to happen. I really think I'll stick to historical romances... Or paranormal ones...
October 12, 2014
This novel had a lot of potential but very meagre delivery, sadly. Its strap line is "Four Weddings without the Funeral" but actually having a funeral might have been a good idea - as it would have inserted some much-needed gravitas into the general veneer of fluff.
I think one of the main problems is I really didn't like the heroine, Evie, who's obsessed with appearances, not terribly bright and acts like a 12-year old most of the time. She's supposed to be 27.
The big motif of the book and the thing that's supposed to make it excitingly different is the fact that Evie has never been in love or been in a relationship of more than a few weeks, and wonders if she ever will. I'm sorry?? That's a key issue when one is 27 years old?? Hey ho, you can see what I mean about Evie's low intelligence rating …
Anyway, when she does finally meet Jack, who turns out to be The Man, it's really not much of a relationship and actually I found it both dull and unbelievable. Jack could very well do better. The cliched ending and the culmination of their 'love story' is teeth-grindingly bad and I groaned and skipped over it. There's also a friend Charlotte whose sole characteristic is that she's overweight, another friend Valentina, who is obsessed with money and appearances (but at least, unlike Evie, she's honest about it), and a couple of other friends whom I could never confidently differentiate between. Oh and the chapters are ridiculously short - so short that there are 121 of them, plus an epilogue! Lordy.
The only good parts of this book are Evie's wonderful mother who is a delight, and the very funny scene in the disco with the vibrator. That's it, really.
Verdict: 2 stars. Shallow nonsense.
I think one of the main problems is I really didn't like the heroine, Evie, who's obsessed with appearances, not terribly bright and acts like a 12-year old most of the time. She's supposed to be 27.
The big motif of the book and the thing that's supposed to make it excitingly different is the fact that Evie has never been in love or been in a relationship of more than a few weeks, and wonders if she ever will. I'm sorry?? That's a key issue when one is 27 years old?? Hey ho, you can see what I mean about Evie's low intelligence rating …
Anyway, when she does finally meet Jack, who turns out to be The Man, it's really not much of a relationship and actually I found it both dull and unbelievable. Jack could very well do better. The cliched ending and the culmination of their 'love story' is teeth-grindingly bad and I groaned and skipped over it. There's also a friend Charlotte whose sole characteristic is that she's overweight, another friend Valentina, who is obsessed with money and appearances (but at least, unlike Evie, she's honest about it), and a couple of other friends whom I could never confidently differentiate between. Oh and the chapters are ridiculously short - so short that there are 121 of them, plus an epilogue! Lordy.
The only good parts of this book are Evie's wonderful mother who is a delight, and the very funny scene in the disco with the vibrator. That's it, really.
Verdict: 2 stars. Shallow nonsense.
November 19, 2020
A charming chick lit novel about a girl who is always the bridesmaid,never the bride. We follow the commitmentphobic Evie as she acts as bridesmaid in 3 weddings. Along the way she may even find her own Mr. Right.
It's hardly classic literature but it's a fun little read that I raced through.
It's hardly classic literature but it's a fun little read that I raced through.
June 27, 2019
Eğlenceli olduğu kadar kısaydı da :(
November 23, 2012
I feel like I'm starting to sound like a broken record when it comes to reviewing Jane Costello's books, but I can't help it, because - to borrow an English phrase - they're just SO BLOODY GOOD!
I love ALL the characters in her books. Like ALL of them. Yes, there's always a bad guy and a good guy - and by guy I refer here to possible male and/or female characters - but even those, you tend to love - in a love/hate sort of way.
Who couldn't love Valentina, who is self-obsessed, and hilariously charming in a Scarlett O'Hara sort of way? Or Charlotte, who I bet so many women shared a connection with as she went through her inner turmoils, ups and downs, and endured so much talk from so many people, which pushed her into committing the one mortal sin that could break the sister code? Or Georgia? Modest, funny, down-to-earth Georgia? Or last, but certainly not least, Evie? Good old Evie, who thought she suffered from commitment issues, when her only ailment was the fact that she just hadn't found the right guy yet...that is until Jack. Sigh. Jack. The embodiment of perfect male sculpted into a fictional - of course - character in a book, making it absolutely complete.
The only part I really didn't like and found unnecessarily silly was the scene when Evie felt forced to make up that boyfriend story for Jack's benefit in a moment of panic. Honestly, it seemed childish and a little immature for a twenty-seven year old. It also felt like Costello was trying to create a conflict for no reason, when the Beth thing was way better executed in my opinion.
All in all, Jane Costello has yet to disappoint me with one of her books. And my only regret is that I've finished reading all of them, and now have to wait for her next novel to come out - which won't be until 2012.
I love ALL the characters in her books. Like ALL of them. Yes, there's always a bad guy and a good guy - and by guy I refer here to possible male and/or female characters - but even those, you tend to love - in a love/hate sort of way.
Who couldn't love Valentina, who is self-obsessed, and hilariously charming in a Scarlett O'Hara sort of way? Or Charlotte, who I bet so many women shared a connection with as she went through her inner turmoils, ups and downs, and endured so much talk from so many people, which pushed her into committing the one mortal sin that could break the sister code? Or Georgia? Modest, funny, down-to-earth Georgia? Or last, but certainly not least, Evie? Good old Evie, who thought she suffered from commitment issues, when her only ailment was the fact that she just hadn't found the right guy yet...that is until Jack. Sigh. Jack. The embodiment of perfect male sculpted into a fictional - of course - character in a book, making it absolutely complete.
The only part I really didn't like and found unnecessarily silly was the scene when Evie felt forced to make up that boyfriend story for Jack's benefit in a moment of panic. Honestly, it seemed childish and a little immature for a twenty-seven year old. It also felt like Costello was trying to create a conflict for no reason, when the Beth thing was way better executed in my opinion.
All in all, Jane Costello has yet to disappoint me with one of her books. And my only regret is that I've finished reading all of them, and now have to wait for her next novel to come out - which won't be until 2012.
December 20, 2016
There's a lot to be said about this book.
But first things first.
It's Bloody Fantastic!
Evie's romance is certainly not the central theme. It's something I noticed even in the previous book I read by Jane Costello. Yet it's not an issue that is too troubling.
In fact for the first half, Evie's mostly focused on her interaction with her close friends and their lives. Her love interest Jack doesn't even occupy that many pages. So that is why I am cutting one star.
I am actually surprised by how much I was invested in this book. There are so many lessons to be learnt from here. The most annoying people can be quite comforting and supportive when the time comes. And those who appear to be angels incarnated can be the most vicious snakes. I really hoped the said snake in this story could have been given someore karmic punishment but c'est la vie. One has to make do with whatever little we get because life is a stingy witch.
But first things first.
It's Bloody Fantastic!
Evie's romance is certainly not the central theme. It's something I noticed even in the previous book I read by Jane Costello. Yet it's not an issue that is too troubling.
In fact for the first half, Evie's mostly focused on her interaction with her close friends and their lives. Her love interest Jack doesn't even occupy that many pages. So that is why I am cutting one star.
I am actually surprised by how much I was invested in this book. There are so many lessons to be learnt from here. The most annoying people can be quite comforting and supportive when the time comes. And those who appear to be angels incarnated can be the most vicious snakes. I really hoped the said snake in this story could have been given someore karmic punishment but c'est la vie. One has to make do with whatever little we get because life is a stingy witch.
June 28, 2024
It’s ok I guess
November 4, 2020
I have to say this is one of my favourite authors now.
August 13, 2014
Evie Hart has a busy year ahead of her, acting as bridesmaid at no less than 4 weddings. For herself, she is somewhat of a commitment-phobe, with a long line of ex-boyfriends who sooner or later have for some reason or other started to grate on her nerves. However, then she meets Jack at her friend's wedding and there seems to be an instant spark of chemistry between them. Has Evie finally found the man of her dreams, who she can settle down with? It's a long and bumpy road to find out, with laughter and heartache for all this lively group of brides and bridesmaids.
I'm a definite fan of Jane Costello, her books always fun and entertaining, and with her short snappy chapters they usually make for a light easy read. Her stories are always warm, characters lively, and generally strike a good balance of comedy and romance. As such I've been slowly working my way through her backlog of books, Bridesmaids I think actually being her debut. Having read most of her other works by now, I think the fact that this is one of her earlier works does show; and I have to say I didn't find it quite as enjoyable as some of her other books. Though not quite as amusing or engaging as some of her other work, it does still make for a pleasant, if somewhat forgettable read.
I'm a definite fan of Jane Costello, her books always fun and entertaining, and with her short snappy chapters they usually make for a light easy read. Her stories are always warm, characters lively, and generally strike a good balance of comedy and romance. As such I've been slowly working my way through her backlog of books, Bridesmaids I think actually being her debut. Having read most of her other works by now, I think the fact that this is one of her earlier works does show; and I have to say I didn't find it quite as enjoyable as some of her other books. Though not quite as amusing or engaging as some of her other work, it does still make for a pleasant, if somewhat forgettable read.
January 11, 2018
Толкова е хубаво да имаш събрани на едно място хиляди книги. И да запълваш всяка свободна минута четейки на всяко възможно място.
Хвала на тези , които са измислили тази велика джажда.
Така , ровейки и препрочитайки си любими автори, попаднах пак на една от тях , а именно Джейн Костело.
И падна много смях отново. Всяко нейно изречение е написано с чувство за хумор. Да не говорим , че някои от случките съвпадат с такива, които са се случвали и на мен, и които ме накараха да си спомня тези забавни моменти.
В същото време се сетих , че българските й издатели лесно се отказаха от нейните услуги.
Както и от услугите на много други талантливи английски автори.
Жалко , защото вкусовете , които ще възпитат не вещаят нищо добро.
А едно от най-важните качества , според мен е, да имаш чувството за хумор.
Който се смее , зло не мисли.
Хвала на тези , които са измислили тази велика джажда.
Така , ровейки и препрочитайки си любими автори, попаднах пак на една от тях , а именно Джейн Костело.
И падна много смях отново. Всяко нейно изречение е написано с чувство за хумор. Да не говорим , че някои от случките съвпадат с такива, които са се случвали и на мен, и които ме накараха да си спомня тези забавни моменти.
В същото време се сетих , че българските й издатели лесно се отказаха от нейните услуги.
Както и от услугите на много други талантливи английски автори.
Жалко , защото вкусовете , които ще възпитат не вещаят нищо добро.
А едно от най-важните качества , според мен е, да имаш чувството за хумор.
Който се смее , зло не мисли.
October 6, 2022
As a debut novel, it was nice. Although, I am glad I started my adventure with the author with one of her later books.
The group of female friends was heartwarming and funny. The humour was great. Jack was a promising romantic hero.
But, the romance wasn't as smooth as I would have liked. The last (side) plot twist was out of the blue. I didn't buy it. The idea of the twist was good, but the way it was put in here wasn't convincing.
Still, I saw the potential of Jane Costello here (and at least two of her later books were better than a debut one). I have big hopes for the author.
The group of female friends was heartwarming and funny. The humour was great. Jack was a promising romantic hero.
But, the romance wasn't as smooth as I would have liked. The last (side) plot twist was out of the blue. I didn't buy it. The idea of the twist was good, but the way it was put in here wasn't convincing.
Still, I saw the potential of Jane Costello here (and at least two of her later books were better than a debut one). I have big hopes for the author.
November 14, 2025
Started and finished date – 08.11.25 to 12.11.25.
My rating – Three Stars.
I didn't hate but I didn't love either and this book was okay read but bit boring. I think people who like the plus one by Sophia Money-Coutts or wedding issues by Elle Evans may like is book. The cover of the book was okay, and I like the colour palette at was used on the cover of book. The writing was fine, and the writing was easy to follow also the ending of book was well okay. I think both the setting of the book and the atmosphere was okay but bit blend. The romance was okay but bit boring and the relationship between all the characters was fine, but I think it needed to flash out bit more.
I like the friendships between the main character and her group of college friends, but I would have like it flash just a little bit more. The humour in the book was okay, and I didn't like the last side plot twist also I found the twist come out of nowhere. I found the paced in the book was well structured and steady paced. I like the characters, and I think they are decent, but they needed to be flash out bit more.
My rating – Three Stars.
I didn't hate but I didn't love either and this book was okay read but bit boring. I think people who like the plus one by Sophia Money-Coutts or wedding issues by Elle Evans may like is book. The cover of the book was okay, and I like the colour palette at was used on the cover of book. The writing was fine, and the writing was easy to follow also the ending of book was well okay. I think both the setting of the book and the atmosphere was okay but bit blend. The romance was okay but bit boring and the relationship between all the characters was fine, but I think it needed to flash out bit more.
I like the friendships between the main character and her group of college friends, but I would have like it flash just a little bit more. The humour in the book was okay, and I didn't like the last side plot twist also I found the twist come out of nowhere. I found the paced in the book was well structured and steady paced. I like the characters, and I think they are decent, but they needed to be flash out bit more.
February 10, 2022
Howling!!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Anyone's Most embarrassing moments involving bra and boobs....? My gel bra popped once in a light blue top looked like i was leaking!!!!😵
👗 - Dont want to go out in the rain or need an excuse to stay indoors "Gremlin Syndrome"
👗 - To all Evie's close friends and Family!!!! Stop inviting Gareth and his creepy Underwear to your weddings... He is a pervy stranger!
👗 - JACK!!! Body like action man, manners like Darcy - Yes Pleaaaseeee!!!
👗 - If you wear boob enhancers check yourself before venturing in Public.....
Bridget Jones meets four weddings and a funeral!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Anyone's Most embarrassing moments involving bra and boobs....? My gel bra popped once in a light blue top looked like i was leaking!!!!😵
👗 - Dont want to go out in the rain or need an excuse to stay indoors "Gremlin Syndrome"
👗 - To all Evie's close friends and Family!!!! Stop inviting Gareth and his creepy Underwear to your weddings... He is a pervy stranger!
👗 - JACK!!! Body like action man, manners like Darcy - Yes Pleaaaseeee!!!
👗 - If you wear boob enhancers check yourself before venturing in Public.....
Bridget Jones meets four weddings and a funeral!
March 12, 2014
So after looking for this book everywhere, I finally found a copy only to be disappointed by a mediocre book. Part of my disappointment is my own fault. I find a book that I like, read more by the same author, and figure out that I'm reading variations of the same book.
Standalone review. The main character is Evie. Evie is your typical chick lit heroine--stuck in a rut of a job, completely moronic, attractive enough that she manages to pull in all the guys, probably a little on the dumpy side in terms of weight. But here's where Evie differs from your typical heroine--she has no desire for a long-term relationship. That is Evie's "curse" if you will. She has never been in love, does not seek to be in love, and her relationships all end when she dumps her boyfriend becuase he's getting to close.
Evie's cast of supporting characters are her friends. Grace, her best friend who has been in a long-term relationship (including 2 children) and finally getting married on page 1 of this book. Of course, after the wedding, problems arise for Grace. Naturally. There is Charlotte, the really "lovely" girl who is unfortunately fat and has a really low self-esteem. There is Valentina, the super attractive yet super shallow and super self-absorbed girl. And I can't really understand why any of them are friends with her. Then, off to the side is Georgia, the super-wealthy but nice girl. Not REALLY friends because she is so wealthy that she doesn't really socialize with Evie and her regular group of friends.
The book opens with Grace's wedding day, at which Evie catches the eye of Jack, who happens to be Valentina's date. Despite the fact that Jack first sees Evie when her boob enhancers are hanging out of her dress and she is rushing around like a headless chicken, he "notices" her. Evie learns that despite Jack's "hotness" he is Valentina's date. And it's not because he's her friend's date that he's "off limits." No, it's because Valentina's dates always tend to be male airheads. Well, that's a little bit of the pot calling the kettle black because so far, Evie sounds like a complete airhead.
Anyway, so Evie learns that Jack is not stupid, he continues to be interested in her, and she is also attracted to him. Conclusion? After various mishaps, all caused by Evie's airheadedness and inability to act like a grownup (i.e. lying about the dumbest things), they all live happily ever after.
Overall review. Taken alone, the book may have been okay, except there was really nothing to set it apart. But taken as a whole and viewed against the backdrop of all of Jane Costello's books that I have read (Girl on the Run, My Single Friend, The Wish List), there was nothing that set this book apart. More than that, the main character really was rather unlikeable in this.
What I used to really apprecite about this author's books is that her female characters were not your typical stupid chick lit girl. Costello's characters had brains and were at least a success in their professional careers. Evie is just a dud. She acts like your typical bimbo with her lies about her past relationships, her stupid humilitating capers, and let's be honest here. Any normal guy confronted with as many of Evie's mishaps would run far away and fast. They wouldn't find it amusing or endearing, especially because they have had no time in which to even get to know Evie. So we have this disconnect because although Evie admits to having spots on her face, having a big bum, and a flat chest, there must be something super gorgeous about her that a guy like Jack would even notice her.
The plot in general is also just that. A typical chick lit plot about a girl trying to find her true love. The book details her budding relationship with Jack and nothign else. Sure, we learn about the weddings she's attending and we learn that Grace has marriage issues and can guess at why. But aside from that, there's no other real point to the book.
As for the main ingredients to a Jane Costello novel, you have them all in Bridesmaids.
-infidelity
-girl allergic to commitment
-female hearbreaker
-forbidden attraction (being attracted to your friend's boyfriend)
Standalone review. The main character is Evie. Evie is your typical chick lit heroine--stuck in a rut of a job, completely moronic, attractive enough that she manages to pull in all the guys, probably a little on the dumpy side in terms of weight. But here's where Evie differs from your typical heroine--she has no desire for a long-term relationship. That is Evie's "curse" if you will. She has never been in love, does not seek to be in love, and her relationships all end when she dumps her boyfriend becuase he's getting to close.
Evie's cast of supporting characters are her friends. Grace, her best friend who has been in a long-term relationship (including 2 children) and finally getting married on page 1 of this book. Of course, after the wedding, problems arise for Grace. Naturally. There is Charlotte, the really "lovely" girl who is unfortunately fat and has a really low self-esteem. There is Valentina, the super attractive yet super shallow and super self-absorbed girl. And I can't really understand why any of them are friends with her. Then, off to the side is Georgia, the super-wealthy but nice girl. Not REALLY friends because she is so wealthy that she doesn't really socialize with Evie and her regular group of friends.
The book opens with Grace's wedding day, at which Evie catches the eye of Jack, who happens to be Valentina's date. Despite the fact that Jack first sees Evie when her boob enhancers are hanging out of her dress and she is rushing around like a headless chicken, he "notices" her. Evie learns that despite Jack's "hotness" he is Valentina's date. And it's not because he's her friend's date that he's "off limits." No, it's because Valentina's dates always tend to be male airheads. Well, that's a little bit of the pot calling the kettle black because so far, Evie sounds like a complete airhead.
Anyway, so Evie learns that Jack is not stupid, he continues to be interested in her, and she is also attracted to him. Conclusion? After various mishaps, all caused by Evie's airheadedness and inability to act like a grownup (i.e. lying about the dumbest things), they all live happily ever after.
Overall review. Taken alone, the book may have been okay, except there was really nothing to set it apart. But taken as a whole and viewed against the backdrop of all of Jane Costello's books that I have read (Girl on the Run, My Single Friend, The Wish List), there was nothing that set this book apart. More than that, the main character really was rather unlikeable in this.
What I used to really apprecite about this author's books is that her female characters were not your typical stupid chick lit girl. Costello's characters had brains and were at least a success in their professional careers. Evie is just a dud. She acts like your typical bimbo with her lies about her past relationships, her stupid humilitating capers, and let's be honest here. Any normal guy confronted with as many of Evie's mishaps would run far away and fast. They wouldn't find it amusing or endearing, especially because they have had no time in which to even get to know Evie. So we have this disconnect because although Evie admits to having spots on her face, having a big bum, and a flat chest, there must be something super gorgeous about her that a guy like Jack would even notice her.
The plot in general is also just that. A typical chick lit plot about a girl trying to find her true love. The book details her budding relationship with Jack and nothign else. Sure, we learn about the weddings she's attending and we learn that Grace has marriage issues and can guess at why. But aside from that, there's no other real point to the book.
As for the main ingredients to a Jane Costello novel, you have them all in Bridesmaids.
-infidelity
-girl allergic to commitment
-female hearbreaker
-forbidden attraction (being attracted to your friend's boyfriend)
October 6, 2019
Creo que es la cuarta vez que leo este libro y no me canso.
Una novela breve y corta de género chic-lit que consigue que me ría a carcajadas como lo han hecho pocos libros en mi vida.
Sencillo, divertido, con un humor fino y escenas para troncharse de la risa. Damas de honor es un libro "snack", para leer entre un libro intenso y el siguiente. Fácil de leer, divertido y con su dosis de amor y romance. Me encanta. Una pena que lo hayan descatalogado en español, porque es un libro que recomiendo 100%. Es empezar a leer y no parar de reír. Ir en el tren o en el autobús con una sonrisa casi constante y reprimiendo las carcajadas porque algunos momentos son simplemente espectaculares. La protagonista no puede dejar de meter la pata, pero es que también tiene mucha mala suerte. Basta para que un hombre le llame la atención, un hombre que hace que se empiece a plantear comprometerse de verdad, para que empiecen a aparecer ex-novios psicópatas o un poco depravados y hagan tambalear lo que podría ser la historia de amor de su vida. Varias bodas catastróficas para ella de distintas maneras - vuelvo a decir que la pobre tiene bastante mala suerte - pero aún así Evie consigue salir de todas y disfrutar y, lo mejor de todo, es que parece que a Jack le interesa mucho ella y sus constantes locuras y meteduras de pata.
La verdad es que el grupo de amigas y la familia de Evie son de lo más variopinto, y Evie tendrá que hacer frente a muchas situaciones peliagudas tirando de su ingenio, buen humor y de su corazón bondadoso y generoso.
En serio, si tenéis oportunidad de leerlo, no dudéis en hacerlo. Es un libro divertidísimo, fresco, ágil y maravilloso para leer tras una lectura algo más intensa.
Una novela breve y corta de género chic-lit que consigue que me ría a carcajadas como lo han hecho pocos libros en mi vida.
Sencillo, divertido, con un humor fino y escenas para troncharse de la risa. Damas de honor es un libro "snack", para leer entre un libro intenso y el siguiente. Fácil de leer, divertido y con su dosis de amor y romance. Me encanta. Una pena que lo hayan descatalogado en español, porque es un libro que recomiendo 100%. Es empezar a leer y no parar de reír. Ir en el tren o en el autobús con una sonrisa casi constante y reprimiendo las carcajadas porque algunos momentos son simplemente espectaculares. La protagonista no puede dejar de meter la pata, pero es que también tiene mucha mala suerte. Basta para que un hombre le llame la atención, un hombre que hace que se empiece a plantear comprometerse de verdad, para que empiecen a aparecer ex-novios psicópatas o un poco depravados y hagan tambalear lo que podría ser la historia de amor de su vida. Varias bodas catastróficas para ella de distintas maneras - vuelvo a decir que la pobre tiene bastante mala suerte - pero aún así Evie consigue salir de todas y disfrutar y, lo mejor de todo, es que parece que a Jack le interesa mucho ella y sus constantes locuras y meteduras de pata.
La verdad es que el grupo de amigas y la familia de Evie son de lo más variopinto, y Evie tendrá que hacer frente a muchas situaciones peliagudas tirando de su ingenio, buen humor y de su corazón bondadoso y generoso.
En serio, si tenéis oportunidad de leerlo, no dudéis en hacerlo. Es un libro divertidísimo, fresco, ágil y maravilloso para leer tras una lectura algo más intensa.
January 25, 2016
It was a light very funny & hilarious romance . I loved all the bridesmaids but charlotte she was a bitch ! When you read this beautiful novel you will know why
Of Course you will predict the man who Evie will fell in love with anyway there story is so sweet and she is so funny that i cant stop laughing out loud when i read her funny lines . Her friends Grace , Georgia and Valentine are the best friends any girl could have i loved them and their stories as well
Its a long tome since i fell in love with a story epilogue but WAW what a beautiful ending it is ! Even with the thing with Georgia it was a beautiful , nice , happy ending .
Oh and again Charlotte is a real BITCH lol . Thats all for this 5-stars novel
Xx
Of Course you will predict the man who Evie will fell in love with anyway there story is so sweet and she is so funny that i cant stop laughing out loud when i read her funny lines . Her friends Grace , Georgia and Valentine are the best friends any girl could have i loved them and their stories as well
Its a long tome since i fell in love with a story epilogue but WAW what a beautiful ending it is ! Even with the thing with Georgia it was a beautiful , nice , happy ending .
Oh and again Charlotte is a real BITCH lol . Thats all for this 5-stars novel
Xx
August 5, 2019
Četiri venčanja bez sahrane i tipičan britanski humor, ne razumem zašto još nisu snimili film po ovome jer nam kvalitetnih romantičnih komedija i te kako nedostaje (ne mešati sa filmom iz 2011, ono je jadno i ima samo isti naziv).
January 20, 2016
No se merece menos de 5. Hay humor y hay drama, es más que una sencilla historia Chick Lit.
June 28, 2017
Pues ya desde la sinopsis me estaba sonando a un libro divertido, donde me iba a reír y es justamente lo que ha sucedido. En este libro no saldremos de bodas, de damas de honor, sobre todo nuestra protagonista que le toca actuar de dama de honor en varias bodas en un solo año, es todo un record.
Está destinada a ser la eterna dama de honor ya que tiene una estelar lista de relaciones fallidas a sus veintisiete años. Pero puede que en la boda de una de sus mejores amigas halla conocido al que podría ser el amor de su vida. Si solo pudiera comprometerse.
El sentido del humor de ella es una delicia, irónica, ocurrente, leal.... y me alegra que entendí la mayor parte de las referencias inglesas, dado que está ambientado en la Gran Bretaña. Él es un encanto también, aunque siento que lo conocimos menos, está al nivel de ella y se entienden muy bien, son ultra divertidos.
Me ha gustado también que los dramas no solo se centraran en ellos, sino que tenemos estos dramas de boda que al final son muy divertidos.
Está destinada a ser la eterna dama de honor ya que tiene una estelar lista de relaciones fallidas a sus veintisiete años. Pero puede que en la boda de una de sus mejores amigas halla conocido al que podría ser el amor de su vida. Si solo pudiera comprometerse.
El sentido del humor de ella es una delicia, irónica, ocurrente, leal.... y me alegra que entendí la mayor parte de las referencias inglesas, dado que está ambientado en la Gran Bretaña. Él es un encanto también, aunque siento que lo conocimos menos, está al nivel de ella y se entienden muy bien, son ultra divertidos.
Me ha gustado también que los dramas no solo se centraran en ellos, sino que tenemos estos dramas de boda que al final son muy divertidos.
April 30, 2023
I absolutely loved how light-hearted and funny this book was. Not gonna lie but I picked it extremely randomly when I saw the book cover. I know, I know. Yet it turned out I identified with Evie more than I would have imagined. Some may say it’s shallow or doesn’t deliver any message but I feel it gave me a bit of hope in life.
February 2, 2019
I have just finished Bridesmaids by Jane Costello and it had me hooked from the start. I loved Evie's story and actually laughed out loud in parts. I couldn't put this book down and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who loves an easy to real girlie book
August 22, 2018
Zabavna, opuštajuća romansa. :) Nije ništa posebno, no od chick lit knjiga niti ne očekujem neke wow dojmove. Uzmem ih između trilera/horora da se opustim i nasmijem, i ova je u tome uspjela. :)
December 31, 2021
Very enjoyable book, you wanted to find out how the separate weddings went and how the relationships developed.
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