Ed waited until all the eyes in the room were on him before he began. He took a deep breath, inhaling as he did so the sweet scent from the lilies, which were arranged extravagantly in front of him. 'Ladies and gents, I promise to try and keep this short and sweet…'
When Billy asked his best mate Ed to be his best man, Ed knew he would have to make a speech and he was dreading it. But he also knew how important it was to Billy - and to his soul mate and wife-to-be, Amelia. So Ed is determined to do them proud. But little does he know that it will be the most important speech he will ever make, and his toast - 'To Billy and Amelia - together forever' - will mean more than he ever thought.
A beautiful short story to remind you of the importance of love.
Isabelle Broom also writes as Izzy Broom. She is the award-winning author of 13 novels and is published in 14 overseas territories. Having left heat magazine in 2018, where she’d spent over five years as book reviews editor, she began writing full-time alongside continued freelance work. She lives in Suffolk, surrounded by books, family, unruly dogs, and a rooster from the farm next door, which has inexplicably fallen in love with her. Her latest novel, The House Of Hidden Letters (published under the name Izzy Broom) is out now.
You can follow Izzy on Instagram/Threads @Isabelle_Broom or find her on Facebook under Isabelle Broom Author.
Even though I have such a backlog of review books to read I couldn't wait to read The Wedding Speech by Isabelle Broom, which was the winner of The Great British Write Off short story competition, which I've had on pre-order ever since I first heard about it.
It's hard to write a review for something that's so short, only 22 pages, but as the story and synopsis suggests this is a story where Ed has agreed to be best man at his best friend Billy's wedding to Amelia and therefore is expected to give a speech. A speech which he certainly did in style, it was funny but also very moving, and he certainly did them proud....
What impressed me the most was that considering this was such a short quick read, Isabelle still managed to throw in a twist that completely took me by surprise and had me welling up at what I was reading. A simply stunning debut by Isabelle so I sincerely hope that we get to read more from her in the future.
This was really clever, and that's all I'll say, so I don't give anything away. It's 'only' a short story, but I could've happily read on. Though short, the characters came alive, and the scene was set perfectly. Looking forward to read more from this author.
I had this story on my radar since Isabelle Broom was the winner of The Great British Write Off short story competition. I never had the chance to read it until now. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect of a story written this short. After I finished it just now, I can say this story took me by suprise and I'm actually quite stunned. The story picures the moment when Ed is speaking in front of Billy's and Amelia's wedding guests as a best man, giving his best to do his speech. Without exaggeration, Isabelle's writing is prefect. Ed's speech is funny, heart warming and very moving. It's a speech every newlyweds can wish for. The twist at the end has let me shed a tear ot two. All I can say is, if you have a few pence left, please grab this story. I'm sure you won't regret it. It's prefect for your lunch break or whenever you have a couple minutes left. The Wedding Speech is an amazing debut which makes you wanting more. I can't wait to read more of Isabelle's workin the future.
Oh my word, this little book is only 22 pages long but every single page, finalised this book into so much more than such a short story. Perfectly written and without a dry eye in the house as in all great wedding speeches.....but is it as all that it seems. Everybody has 49p in their purse to buy this book.....if you don't you will regret it!
Isabelle Broom has done it again she has written such a superb book even though it is only 22 pages long it was so emotional and I did not see the twist coming at all to get all that in so little a book is AMAZING. Very highly recommend.
Wow. What a powerful short story that was, so wasn’t what I was expecting, shocked is an understatement. Lump in my throat, really had to hold back the tears.
When pub day arrived I reached for my Kindle preparing to read The Wedding Speech. The build up to its release has been an exciting one, not just for Isabelle but for avid readers too. During the first few pages I felt like I was one of the guests at the wedding reception, feeling nervous for Eddie, hoping he’d do a good job, imagining a few of the characters mentioned and of course the laughter.
But then came a shocking twist and found myself scrolling back a page thinking ‘did I just read that?’ Yes I did. To me it's obvious why Isabelle won the Great British Write Off competition after reading her story. It’s certainly a winner in my eyes. She gave something original while drawing me into the heart of the story, and I mean right in. There’s not a lot I can say without spilling the details as it’s a very short read, but when you finally get round to reading this you’ll be glad you did. Emotionally it moved me and reminder of how precious life is. The Wedding Speech is a cleverly written story that's full of heart, passion, life-long friendships and being there for your loved ones at the end of the day. As I reached the final page I sat quietly, feeling bittersweet, in a daze.
Ed stands to give his speech at his best friend Billy’s wedding. It is a time for celebration, to rejoice in the love that Billy has for his partner, Amelia. It is also a time for Ed to say goodbye to the life he once had with his best friend.
Review
Ok. I admit it. For all my bluster about not liking short stories this one did actually tear me up a little. My lachrymal glands betrayed me and I did begin to fall for the characters. The best man’s speech must be a nerve-wrecking thing for everyone. Is the bride going to hear something about her new husband that she doesn’t know or like? Will either set of parents be shocked by the pre-wedding antics of their children? Or will the bride be nervous over what the best man will say about her. For a girl it is a big deal, having the approval of her lover’s best friend. You can see why weddings are stressful times.
Ed’s speech is lovely and without sounding trite it is everything that a wedding speech should be; filled with humour, history and love.
I won’t say anymore about this story in case you do choose to read it. However, I will issue a warning. Have a packet of tissues handy – you are going to need them.
his was a short story and it was just such a lovely read, I don't know why it took me so long to read it!
We start at the beginning of the book hearing Billy's best man Ed reading a speech. We know there are friends and family around and we get to see their reactions. Although it sounds rather odd that this whole short story is just one speech, we get to learn so much about these people in the speech and it just feels so right!
I loved what a compassionate man Ed was, I liked that he wasn't afraid to share his feelings, to shed a tear and I liked that he thought of others. We can see him mentioning people in his speech and then checking their reactions. There are moments of laughter but also times to cry.
This was definitely an emotional read, and for a short story, it is something that has stayed with me. I loved this little insight into these people and hope that I will get to hear more from them soon in this future. You will love this story and I definitely recommend downloading this one now!
This story caught me by surprise but I absolutely loved it for that. It's very short and only took 10-12 minutes to read but I was thinking about what had happened within for a long time afterwards. How the author managed to portray such emotion and infuse it with a huge surprise in such a short space of time is remarkable. Thoroughly recommended.
Although, this is a very short story at just over 20 pages, it is so cleverly weaved together. Isabelle has a real talent here at drawing you in and making you feel you were there in the moment.
It is such a beautiful and heartbreaking read with a twist I didn't see coming. It is ultimately a story about the importance of love and letting go.
If I had realised this was just a short story, I would never have purchased it, even for 99p. Sorry but it was not money well spent for a five-minute read. Beautifully written, emotional and a very quick read.
Do not read this book if you want a HEA. I deeply regret reading it. I feel so overwhelmed with sadness that I just don't know what to do. Of course it is an excellent work but dreadfully sad I wish I can undo reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.