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Wedding Plans
Forty years ago, Beth made the hardest decision of her life. On the day she was supposed to marry Andy, she walked away from the man she loved and the life everyone expected her to choose. With a dream job in New York City too compelling to ignore, she left him standing at the altar, never expecting him to forgive her or to see him again.
Now, after a successful publishing career, Beth has moved to Rehoboth Beach in search of a quieter, simpler life, even as the town brings back memories of Andy. When their lifelong friends announce they're getting married, the two are suddenly thrown together for a wedding neither can escape.
Andy has never truly forgiven the woman who shattered his heart. Beth never stopped wondering what if-if achieving her career dreams was worth losing the love of her life. As the wedding draws near, old hurts give way to new understanding. Old sparks rekindle. In their early sixties, Beth and Andy will have to decide whether the past has already written their ending-or whether love deserves one more chance.
Now, after a successful publishing career, Beth has moved to Rehoboth Beach in search of a quieter, simpler life, even as the town brings back memories of Andy. When their lifelong friends announce they're getting married, the two are suddenly thrown together for a wedding neither can escape.
Andy has never truly forgiven the woman who shattered his heart. Beth never stopped wondering what if-if achieving her career dreams was worth losing the love of her life. As the wedding draws near, old hurts give way to new understanding. Old sparks rekindle. In their early sixties, Beth and Andy will have to decide whether the past has already written their ending-or whether love deserves one more chance.
364 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 9, 2026
Wedding Plans is a reminder for us all to “be open to possibilities.” I found this to be a refreshing read about relatable women in their 60s-70s who are dealing with present-day life issues with mature emotions. Cook addresses not only social issues, friend relationships, and lover relationships, but also the intrapersonal issues of how later-in-life women see themselves versus what society expects or pins on us. The author dares us to believe we are "sexy and beautiful and desirable and vibrant" women. I had a fun time reading Wedding Plans; with this group of women (The Savvys) living in a real seaside town leading real lives, I realized that I wanted to join this group to discuss their book choices and spend time with them!
Cook ably describes her scenes so that I felt like I was by the seashore, in the bookstore, or restaurant! I also appreciate her references to things from what is surely a common past such as, "those dolls with a crocheted skirt that your grandma stuck on the toilet paper roll that stood on the back of the commode so no one would know it was toilet paper."
I am inspired to make this book into a literary trip - travel to the places mentioned, see the sights, taste the food, and sip the drinks mentioned!
Cook ably describes her scenes so that I felt like I was by the seashore, in the bookstore, or restaurant! I also appreciate her references to things from what is surely a common past such as, "those dolls with a crocheted skirt that your grandma stuck on the toilet paper roll that stood on the back of the commode so no one would know it was toilet paper."
I am inspired to make this book into a literary trip - travel to the places mentioned, see the sights, taste the food, and sip the drinks mentioned!
October 6, 2026
In her second novel, Deborah Smith Cook develops characters Beth and Andy sharing a deeply hidden past as they proceed with Wedding Plans. This drew me in and kept me turning the pages.
Complicated relationships connect friends and relatives as they support one another in their search for purpose and love in modern day Rehoboth Beach. The challenges are real and made me wonder how they would be solved.
I loved the abundance of vivid detail framing this and other familiar locales brought to life with sensory imagery as if I were experiencing them in person.
Wedding Plans left me with a greater admiration and appreciation of love and friendships and their profound Importance. A wonderful read
Complicated relationships connect friends and relatives as they support one another in their search for purpose and love in modern day Rehoboth Beach. The challenges are real and made me wonder how they would be solved.
I loved the abundance of vivid detail framing this and other familiar locales brought to life with sensory imagery as if I were experiencing them in person.
Wedding Plans left me with a greater admiration and appreciation of love and friendships and their profound Importance. A wonderful read
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews