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Four Weddings and a Fiasco
The new novel from ebook bestseller, Catherine Ferguson. As fresh and bubbly as a pint of homemade lemonade on a hot day, this is the only book you need this summer.
Meet Katy Peacock. She has a fun-filled life as colourful as her name, and you can always rely on her to be the life and soul of any party. And it’s a good job too, given she spends her weekends photographing other people’s weddings.
Yet underneath it all, things aren’t so good. Her wedding photography business has fallen on tough times, and she’s had her heart broken more times than she cares to remember.
But she’ll get through it, she knows she will. She just needs to avoid best men, bad men, and ushers of any variety. Oh dear…
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2016
25 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 10, 2016
A light hearted and entertaining read. Kate is a wedding photographer struggling to keep her business afloat and dodgy experiences with men. She is trying to avoid men, which obviously means she is going to encounter a man or two. Kate has a bubbly personality which belies the problems she is facing. She is justifiably struggling to get on with her sister, and has debt issues. With so much on her plate, it's good to see that she has the strength of character to handle it. A quick and easy read that keeps you interested. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
June 5, 2016
This was a very enjoyable, entertaining, feel good romantic comedy - absolutely perfect for the summer!
As the title suggests, this is a story about four weddings and a fiasco! Katy Peacock runs her own business as a successful, hardworking wedding photographer. She makes her money from snapping away at everyone else's big day, capturing the drama, the tears, the happiness and ultimately the love, from the couple's big day. But behind her fun loving facade, Katy is full of her own troubles. Firstly she is unable to shake off an ex boyfriend who follows her around in a threatening and intimidating manner as she tries desperately to pay back the money she owes him. Secondly, she is estranged from her former business partner and sister who walked out on her - and the business which they ran jointly - leaving her penniless and vulnerable. Thirdly, while working at a wedding, she meets the handsome and enigmatic Gabe, who she finds herself falling for. And so ensues a serious of cringeworthy and laugh out loud incidents as she tries to remain professional, disinterested and alluring all at the same time!
Although this novel follows a well worn path typical of chick lit rom coms, it still feels fresh and funny. The story is well structured into four parts based around four weddings and this helps move the plot along swiftly and with focus. Katy is a very likeable character; the reader empathises with her as she tries to face her problems alone- juggling a job, a recently bereaved mother, an estranged sister, a best friend and a potential love interest without letting anyone see how desperate she feels or the pressure she finds herself under. There are several different threads of storyline going on which gives the book more depth; twists, revelations and moments of seriousness carefully balanced against the humour and romantic moments. It is a light hearted read, largely humorous and witty, but Katy also has real problems that give the book more gravitas and prevent it from being too frivolous.
There are a cast of many characters but all are created well and feel believable. Katy's best friend is particularly engaging and it feels like Ferguson enjoyed writing this character with her down to earth comments and observations. She is a great tonic for Katy and prevents the book from becoming too serious or bogged down with the difficult reality of living with family complications and debt. Ferguson also writes convincingly about the relationship between Katy and her mother which feels heartfelt and real. Her mother's friends offer Ferguson an opportunity for a bit more fun and colourful characterisation too!
Even though I was pretty sure I could guess the outcome of each plot line, I still enjoyed the ride and still felt engaged throughout the novel. I still found myself wondering what would happen between Gabe and Katy and also how things would work out with her sister. I wanted to read to the end and I found this a very easy read in which the pages kept turning without me really realising. Ferguson's writing is fluid and natural. A great read to have taken away with me over half term - particularly as I had just attended a wedding myself!
The role of a wedding photographer is a great angle (excuse the pun!) for a romantic comedy and provides a perfect set up for a story about love and marriage. It is a great way to explore couples, relationships, love and how moments captured publicly are often not a true representation of what is going on behind the scenes - even between the lucky couple themselves on their special day!
Ultimately this is a feel good story about love, friendship, families and happy endings and will suit anyone who enjoys a bit of light relief, escapism and a gentle holiday read! If you like novels like "Bridget Jones" and "The Rosie Project" and authors like Marion Keyes, Lucy Diamond, Sophie Kinsella and Cecelia Ahern, I would recommend you give this book a whirl!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in return for a fair review.
As the title suggests, this is a story about four weddings and a fiasco! Katy Peacock runs her own business as a successful, hardworking wedding photographer. She makes her money from snapping away at everyone else's big day, capturing the drama, the tears, the happiness and ultimately the love, from the couple's big day. But behind her fun loving facade, Katy is full of her own troubles. Firstly she is unable to shake off an ex boyfriend who follows her around in a threatening and intimidating manner as she tries desperately to pay back the money she owes him. Secondly, she is estranged from her former business partner and sister who walked out on her - and the business which they ran jointly - leaving her penniless and vulnerable. Thirdly, while working at a wedding, she meets the handsome and enigmatic Gabe, who she finds herself falling for. And so ensues a serious of cringeworthy and laugh out loud incidents as she tries to remain professional, disinterested and alluring all at the same time!
Although this novel follows a well worn path typical of chick lit rom coms, it still feels fresh and funny. The story is well structured into four parts based around four weddings and this helps move the plot along swiftly and with focus. Katy is a very likeable character; the reader empathises with her as she tries to face her problems alone- juggling a job, a recently bereaved mother, an estranged sister, a best friend and a potential love interest without letting anyone see how desperate she feels or the pressure she finds herself under. There are several different threads of storyline going on which gives the book more depth; twists, revelations and moments of seriousness carefully balanced against the humour and romantic moments. It is a light hearted read, largely humorous and witty, but Katy also has real problems that give the book more gravitas and prevent it from being too frivolous.
There are a cast of many characters but all are created well and feel believable. Katy's best friend is particularly engaging and it feels like Ferguson enjoyed writing this character with her down to earth comments and observations. She is a great tonic for Katy and prevents the book from becoming too serious or bogged down with the difficult reality of living with family complications and debt. Ferguson also writes convincingly about the relationship between Katy and her mother which feels heartfelt and real. Her mother's friends offer Ferguson an opportunity for a bit more fun and colourful characterisation too!
Even though I was pretty sure I could guess the outcome of each plot line, I still enjoyed the ride and still felt engaged throughout the novel. I still found myself wondering what would happen between Gabe and Katy and also how things would work out with her sister. I wanted to read to the end and I found this a very easy read in which the pages kept turning without me really realising. Ferguson's writing is fluid and natural. A great read to have taken away with me over half term - particularly as I had just attended a wedding myself!
The role of a wedding photographer is a great angle (excuse the pun!) for a romantic comedy and provides a perfect set up for a story about love and marriage. It is a great way to explore couples, relationships, love and how moments captured publicly are often not a true representation of what is going on behind the scenes - even between the lucky couple themselves on their special day!
Ultimately this is a feel good story about love, friendship, families and happy endings and will suit anyone who enjoys a bit of light relief, escapism and a gentle holiday read! If you like novels like "Bridget Jones" and "The Rosie Project" and authors like Marion Keyes, Lucy Diamond, Sophie Kinsella and Cecelia Ahern, I would recommend you give this book a whirl!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in return for a fair review.
May 24, 2016
What an incredibly enjoyable story. Four Weddings and a Fiasco has come just in time for the summer wedding season, and it takes that idea and expands on it in an entertaining way. And its not all light hearted either, there are a few more serious themes running through the book too, such as debt, charlatans and sisters that haven't spoken for two years.
Katy is a wedding photographer that is trying to get her business back on track, and trying to stay clear of men too. So of course when very early in the book, she almost impales herself on a fence and then falls into a gorgeous man, that man is going to pop up more regularly in her life from that time onwards.
And then not long after that, she meets another budding photographer, who takes a liking to her, and I'll say about him, is its also quite a memorable first meeting, while Katy is taking photo's at the "celebrity" wedding.
Katy is a very likeable character, who is holding a grudge against her sister, for it turns out quite good reasons, she is trying to sort out her messy financial situation including paying an ex-boyfriend back and also provides a much needed ear to her many potential brides, and her best friend.
I loved as well Katy's mum and her mum's friendship with a pair of sisters, who have in their past a story that resonates with Katy's current situation.
Four Weddings and a Fiasco is a very easy read, I found the pages were going past so fast, I couldn't believe how fast I finished it (and I wasn't trying to rush or anything). I found I was losing track of where I was, while enjoying this story. I am enjoying Catherine Ferguson's books more and more with every release, and I hope this continues, as they are so pleasurable.
Thank you to Helena Sheffield at Avon for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Katy is a wedding photographer that is trying to get her business back on track, and trying to stay clear of men too. So of course when very early in the book, she almost impales herself on a fence and then falls into a gorgeous man, that man is going to pop up more regularly in her life from that time onwards.
And then not long after that, she meets another budding photographer, who takes a liking to her, and I'll say about him, is its also quite a memorable first meeting, while Katy is taking photo's at the "celebrity" wedding.
Katy is a very likeable character, who is holding a grudge against her sister, for it turns out quite good reasons, she is trying to sort out her messy financial situation including paying an ex-boyfriend back and also provides a much needed ear to her many potential brides, and her best friend.
I loved as well Katy's mum and her mum's friendship with a pair of sisters, who have in their past a story that resonates with Katy's current situation.
Four Weddings and a Fiasco is a very easy read, I found the pages were going past so fast, I couldn't believe how fast I finished it (and I wasn't trying to rush or anything). I found I was losing track of where I was, while enjoying this story. I am enjoying Catherine Ferguson's books more and more with every release, and I hope this continues, as they are so pleasurable.
Thank you to Helena Sheffield at Avon for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
August 12, 2016
'She laughs when things are funny. And she laughs when things really aren't funny in the slightest - like when she confided in me that her granny couldn't be at the wedding because she was in rehab getting treatment for sex addiction'.
A funny, witty, easy read.
Everyone loves a wedding and this book follows four of them. It's a nice read with some interesting character developments.
I'd recommend this book for those who are fans of chick-lit, and anyone after a book you can sit and read in the sunshine with a big bar of chocolate...
A funny, witty, easy read.
Everyone loves a wedding and this book follows four of them. It's a nice read with some interesting character developments.
I'd recommend this book for those who are fans of chick-lit, and anyone after a book you can sit and read in the sunshine with a big bar of chocolate...
April 22, 2019
While it started off slow, and I got sidetracked with some other reads for a bit, this is a really cute book! Parts were predictable while other parts had me making a totally shocked face while I read. I enjoyed the characters and the ridiculous situations - I think the autumn wedding was my favourite!! Especially when certain things were explained after. A cute read!
April 22, 2019
A quick and easy and funny ride through this one. Perfect for escapism at the beach, pool-side, or just when you need a laugh. Gonna go look for more from this author, definitely, after reading this one.
June 17, 2016
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
'Four Weddings and a Fiasco' is Catherine Ferguson's fourth novel and the first one that's been released as a paperback. My initial thoughts when I saw the cover was that this is going to be one of my fave spring/summer reads. Yes, I do judge books on covers and no matter what anyone else says, so far my intuition has never been wrong. This indeed was a brilliant, light hearted, uber fun book perfect for this time of year.
Most people are crazy about weddings, there's something truly magical on the day two people decide to share good/bad, in sickness/health and all that. Everyone (not just the bride and the groom) try to look as nice as they can, and create the most memorable day for the newly weds. Katy is a wedding photographer and loves her work. Even though it's full of stress and sometimes even means contact with bridezillas, she truly enjoys her calling and tries to be the best she can in her work. Even if it means climbing the trees in the yard to get a better shot of the wedding couple. She originally starts her business with her sister, Sienna, also a photographer however they fall apart for a reason, and Katy is left all by herself to run the business and the many debts. She pushes herself, always busy and hardly time for any fun, just to clear out the debts and pay the mortgage of her house. At the beginning we don't exactly know the real reason why the two sisters fell apart. I was predicting, however Ms Ferguson proved me wrong.
We get to attend these weddings where everything can go wrong. Katy is not only the official photographer, but also everything that's needed on that special day. She's there to console the family/bride/groom, give handkerchiefs if anything goes wrong, pick up the bride's lipstick shade, you name it she's on it. She really cares about the couple having the best and most memorable wedding and does everything in her power to be professional yet caring at the same time.
I absolutely enjoyed every single page of this book. From the opening when we get to meet the two sisters, who despite the 9 years difference have this special bond, I was hooked and couldn't put the book down. The only thing I'm sorry about is that I didn't save this book for my summer holidays, as I would love to read it at the beach with a cocktail in hand. Despite having her previous books on my kindle, this is actually the first book by Ms Ferguson I've read and it's a real gem. I'm so happy I've got the chance the read it (actually devour it in a day), and I'm already looking forward to her next. In the mean time, I'll make sure I catch up on her previous books as it's obvious Ms Ferguson knows how to create super fun stories and absolutely lovable characters you can't help but fall in love with. Everything about this book is simply dreamy, from the theme and characters to the very ending which left me with a huge smile on my face. Summer hasn't officially started yet, but it would be totally OK if I say I've found my summer hit for 2016. Wholeheartedly recommended for everyone who's off for holidays and looking for a great, chill out beach read. Trust me, you definitely want this in you bag.
June 28, 2016
I love Catherine Ferguson - her debut novel Humbugs & Heartstrings was one of my absolute favourite reads a while ago, and while I haven't gotten around to her other two books, I know that they're there when I need my fix of Catherine again! Four Weddings And A Fiasco is Catherine's first foray into paperbacks (and well deserved it is, too, although I now want her other three in paperback, please, Avon) and it's thoroughly entertaining, as Katy Peacock lives quite the life.
The most ironic thing about Katy Peacock is that she actually lives quite a humdrum life when we meet her - she works, she sleeps, she worries about bills, and repeat, it's the things that have happened in her past that make it more colourful - she doesn't talk to her sister, Sienna, any more, and she has her ex Dominic on her back for money he lent her (it's true what they say - never lend money from a boyfriend/friend/family member, anyone) and it was kinda stressful seeing her try to juggle everything alone, with no one to rely on or lean on, although her best friend Mallory was awesome, I loved how posh but down to Earth she was.
Four Weddings and a Fiasco does feature four weddings, as Katy is a wedding photographer and I absolutely loved the celebrity-infused first wedding between Andrea & Ron, especially Harry the fish finger, that was hilarious. But it was the chemistry between Katy and Gabe that got me excited. From the very moment she bashed into him climbing over her gate, on the way to the post office, there was a spark there and it was amazing to see it ignite. There was just something there right from the off and it was great to see them be snarky with each other, in the best possible way.
I really enjoyed the book. It was a fun read, with a few serious bits thrown in for good measure, but it was never short of laughs and Katy was a brilliant, brilliant character. I loved her so much. Despite everything, she never crumbled, never took to her bed the way I would if I had all of that on my shoulders, and I respected the way she just pulled up her boots and got to work. Four Weddings and a Fiasco is the perfect summer read, and it's Catherine at her absolute best, she really is an amazing storyteller, I loved this book.
The most ironic thing about Katy Peacock is that she actually lives quite a humdrum life when we meet her - she works, she sleeps, she worries about bills, and repeat, it's the things that have happened in her past that make it more colourful - she doesn't talk to her sister, Sienna, any more, and she has her ex Dominic on her back for money he lent her (it's true what they say - never lend money from a boyfriend/friend/family member, anyone) and it was kinda stressful seeing her try to juggle everything alone, with no one to rely on or lean on, although her best friend Mallory was awesome, I loved how posh but down to Earth she was.
Four Weddings and a Fiasco does feature four weddings, as Katy is a wedding photographer and I absolutely loved the celebrity-infused first wedding between Andrea & Ron, especially Harry the fish finger, that was hilarious. But it was the chemistry between Katy and Gabe that got me excited. From the very moment she bashed into him climbing over her gate, on the way to the post office, there was a spark there and it was amazing to see it ignite. There was just something there right from the off and it was great to see them be snarky with each other, in the best possible way.
I really enjoyed the book. It was a fun read, with a few serious bits thrown in for good measure, but it was never short of laughs and Katy was a brilliant, brilliant character. I loved her so much. Despite everything, she never crumbled, never took to her bed the way I would if I had all of that on my shoulders, and I respected the way she just pulled up her boots and got to work. Four Weddings and a Fiasco is the perfect summer read, and it's Catherine at her absolute best, she really is an amazing storyteller, I loved this book.
March 30, 2021
Disappointed really. The book began as promising. Katy was a witty character and likeable. I like how the biggest flaw of her character was her debt, accumulated to starting her own business and house. Which fell down due to her sister leaving the business due to a misunderstanding.
Kary was relatable because of this. Not everybody is self sufficient and has oodles of money like some characters in books. It was genuinely refreshing to read.
What was not refreshing to read was how easily she fell for Gabe. After one kiss and cuddle she was bereft when he stopped talking to her because of her debt. She was bereft for months due to this. It all got a bit too much.
There were genuinely some really funny and good parts of the story but the love story between katy and Gabe was a bit too fluffy and unbelievable to me.
Other than this it was an OK story i kept turning the pages and didn't want to out it down immediately. The book had lots of promises but im afraid it fizzled out.
Kary was relatable because of this. Not everybody is self sufficient and has oodles of money like some characters in books. It was genuinely refreshing to read.
What was not refreshing to read was how easily she fell for Gabe. After one kiss and cuddle she was bereft when he stopped talking to her because of her debt. She was bereft for months due to this. It all got a bit too much.
There were genuinely some really funny and good parts of the story but the love story between katy and Gabe was a bit too fluffy and unbelievable to me.
Other than this it was an OK story i kept turning the pages and didn't want to out it down immediately. The book had lots of promises but im afraid it fizzled out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2016
I happily accepted this book for an honest review, I have to say what a stunning cover, it really is very pretty. I hadn't heard of Catherine Ferguson before but this story seemed my cup of tea and I felt it was a bit different as the main character Katy is a photographer. I found the story very enjoyable and warmed to Katy straight away, there were some quite funny moments which I felt made it a light hearted read. I will be looking out for more of Catherine Ferguson's books as this one was really good.
November 26, 2016
Good book to read on a nice summers day!
June 3, 2017
Clever funny easy read
Recommend for travel reading or for a quick light hearted theme.
Recommend for travel reading or for a quick light hearted theme.
May 7, 2019
Another light read. This time the protagonist is Katy, who started Sister Act Photography with her sister Sienna. However, there has been a major rift between the two, which is dangled as a sort of mystery for several hundred pages, and Sienna has gone off to Paris and left Katy in the lurch. Their mother is still recovering from the death of their father, and they move her into a senior condominium where she has a few friends. Katy has also broken up with her boyfriend Dominic, which means she has to pay al the bills herself, and she is constantly scrambling for wedding photography jobs to try to stay out of debt - a losing proposition. At one of her weddings, she meets a famous professional photographer, and eventually starts falling in love with him. The book is centered around various wedding jobs, with interactions with Katy's mother, her friends, the men she tries to fall in love with, her fear of Sienna's return, and her money struggles. It gets a bit same-old after a while, but the characters are well-drawn and generally interesting, especially the POV of a wedding photographer and the various crazy things she has to deal with. I enjoyed it, but probably won't be rereading it any time soon.
June 20, 2020
I tried my best to enjoy this book, and parts of it were incredibly funny, but I feel like we never really got to know the main character, Katy. Other characters such as her mum and best friend were much better fleshed out. The love interest was also an absolute git and I couldn’t warm to him at all! There was a LOT of build up in the first 3/4 of the book, only for the ending to be a lot of rushed fluff that made no sense! And whatever happened to Rupert? Or Harry? A few plot holes that left me feeling unsatisfied with the ending.
August 29, 2017
Not as funny as I usually like my chicklits but it was still such an interesting read. Katy's past is kept mysterious and intriguing so you're hooked to know what happened to land her in this mess, plus there's also the weird stuff going on with some of the other characters. And the best part? Gabe Harlin, of course.
November 7, 2018
I liked the story. This is the first book I've read by this author and I will be looking into her other novels. I liked how complex some of the characters relationships were and was surprised by some of plot twists. The ending was the most surprising as I didn't see it coming although I will admit that I did hope for it. It was a nice book to pass the time on a rainy day.
July 25, 2024
Loved this book! I was in a reading slump for almost a year after my exams, and this book pulled me out of it and led me back into the beautiful world of reading!
I’m so glad I came across this book 🤍
I loveeee the main character, she just melts my heart.
Definitely recommend for a feel good.
I’m so glad I came across this book 🤍
I loveeee the main character, she just melts my heart.
Definitely recommend for a feel good.
August 18, 2025
Lightweight story with a main character, Katy, who is struggling to keep afloat financially as a wedding photographer. Starts well before going very Mills and Boon with misunderstandings and contrived encounters.
March 16, 2017
A fluffy tale not for me at all but I do try.
July 23, 2017
entertaining and enjoyable but a very cheesy ending
September 24, 2017
Very predictable and way too liberal in the use of ellipses...
October 26, 2017
It's a very light and fluffy read. I am not used to such light reading but there were plenty of interesting characters being introduced and the story was alright.
January 1, 2018
Easy quick read, nice ending!
January 28, 2018
nice light hearted read
April 29, 2018
I didn't think i would fly through this book so quickly. But I did ;-D And it was truly an enjoyable read.
July 2, 2020
All that build up for Gabe to have a non communicative strop when he found out about her debt? Completely lost me at that point. Disappointed in the way the characters treated one another.
July 5, 2020
Lovely easy read
A Nice fun easy read book. I didn’t want to stop reading it as o wanted to know the end.
A Nice fun easy read book. I didn’t want to stop reading it as o wanted to know the end.
January 23, 2022
This book was okay. Both the writing and the paced of plot was okay also the book was bit predictable. The cover of book was okay and the characters okay but nedeed to be flash out more.
September 14, 2022
A fantastic read.
March 3, 2024
2.5 stars
Not particularly fussed by the book, found it repetitive at times and didn’t feel particularly overwhelmed with the ending
Not particularly fussed by the book, found it repetitive at times and didn’t feel particularly overwhelmed with the ending
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews