Honeymoon Suite

by Wendy Holden

When Nell is marooned at the altar, her feisty best friend Rachel says she'll come with her on honeymoon instead. Why waste a week in a posh country hotel?

So the duo, plus Rachel's Agatha Christie-obsessed small daughter Juno, head for the hills and idyllic Edenville, on the edge of the beautiful Pemberton estate. Awaiting them is a cast of colourful characters from Jason the harassed hotel manager to the ruthless Angela, Director of HR. Not to mention the handsome Dylan, a bestselling writer on the run from his past.

Nell doesn't want to go back to London, so when a job on the estate comes up, she's happy to stay. Even if it is arranging weddings in the Big House! As she becomes entangled in the lives of the locals - and they weave their way into her heart - she realises there might be a way to reach the rainbow's end after all.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit

421 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2015

About the author

Wendy Holden grew up in Yorkshire, and studied English at Girton College, Cambridge. She worked in magazines for many years before joining Tatler's in 1997 as deputy editor, and later moved to the Mail on Sunday’s You magazine, which she left in 2000 to concentrate on writing. She regularly writes features for newspapers and magazines on a range of social, topical and lifestyle subjects and is also a television and radio contributor.

She has now published ten novels, Gallery Girl, Beautiful People, Bad Heir Day, Pastures Nouveaux, Fame Fatale, Azur Like It, The Wives of Bath, The School for Husbands, Filthy Rich, Farm Fatale, Gossip Hound, Simply Divine, all top 10 bestsellers.

Holden is married, and lives in England with her family.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book in the first half interesting characters & the plot drew me in by the second half this was dragging badly too many characters for me to keep abreast off my first & last read by this author being 484 pages of drab information.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. With a wonderful cover that drew me in from the start. The writing style is really different to what I usually read and like. But it really worked for me and I really liked all the more detailed descriptions. The characters in the book are great and it's a funny, laugh out loud romo of a book. I throughly enjoyed it

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

From its stunning cover, to the wonderful story inside it, Honeymoon Suite is a brilliant romantic comedy, taking in many storylines that all interlink in a great way.

There is Dylan the author, who starts the book with a psycho girlfriend, but then after an incredibly nerve wracking incident, he changes his life completely and his identity, He works out what triggered this, was after a chance meeting with Nell in a pub, with a different case of mistaken identity.

Nell also thinks that everything that goes wrong in her life is based on this one meeting with Dylan, not that she knew his name. From that she meets her future husband, and is then jilted at the altar, which then triggers her and her new best friend Rachel, plus Juno, Rachel's rather unique daughter to go spend the week in the honeymoon suite at the Pemberton Arms.

I loved the main setting of Edenville, a gorgeous little Midlands town, that features the Pemberton Estate at the heart of it. There is a colourful cast of characters, some of them completely over the top like Angela who is not the nicest of women, but as you see more of her you realise, she may have another side to her, to Jason who runs the pub but also isn't being entirely honest, to Dan Taylor a dishy gardener, and George who is an elderly gentleman that I grew to love.

There is so much good in this book it is really hard to know what to say, as I don't want to give anything away. There are many secrets and half truths to find out, as well as some romance, definitely a lot of humour, loads of drama and an overall well written book.

The story has been split into three reasonably distinct parts, and Part 1 gives all the vital backstory to Nell and Dylan, while its from Part 2 where for me the goes from good, to really great and very hard to stop reading.

I've read all of Wendy Holden's books, and this is certainly one of my favourite of her more recent releases. If you are a fan of the author then like me, I'm sure you will enjoy this book, whereas if you haven't read her before this is a very good time to start.

Honeymoon Suite is a very enjoyable and entertaining book that is a pleasure to read, and one I suspect I would enjoy re-reading should I ever have the time, and still get more out of it.

Thank you to Heloise Wood at EDPR for this copy of the book, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off I love the cover - it is what drew me to the book in the first place. Not read one of Wendy Holdens books for a while because for me they all got a bit silly. This one started off promisingly well - some interesting characters. But sadly it all got a bit daft and some of the characters (Angela) were irritating. Enjoyed the storyline about George though.

[Alba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2017/02...

Honeymoon Suite is my first book by Wendy Holden. I know many people who have loved her previous books, so I was really curious to discover her writing. I could tell from the beginning that it was going to be an eventful story with the air of a romantic comedy movie, where many coincidences bring two people together.

In the first few chapters we get to know the two main characters separately, Nell and Dylan. I really enjoyed this part and found both characters really interesting. Especially Dylan, a writer who is struggling to write his second book after his debut was a huge blockbuster. But once the introductory part was done, the story moved in an incredible fast pace. So many things were happening at once, new characters appeared, played their part and then disappeared in a couple of pages. Then, the impression I got was that this was more a soap opera style novel than a romantic comedy as I had first thought.

The first part of the story takes places in London but then, after a few chapters, it moves to a hotel in the countryside where the two main characters meet again. The hotel and its staff start then playing quite major roles and we forget for a while about Nell and Dylan and that they had first met in London by chance. I think it was a bit too much for me for a moment there. As I said, I was interested in those two characters and a possible romantic story between them but then, they didn't really get to know each other until we were almost 300 pages in. And some of the new characters were a bit two dimensional to me.

All in all, I have to say that I had fun reading this story, especially during the first and last chapters, and it kept me in my toes for most of it, as I literally had no idea where it was going to go next. But I also found it a a bit overwhelming. There were a few chapters there, when I couldn't keep up and most things that happened were quite implausible. That's why I think Wendy Holden's style is not for me.

[Anitajt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't get in to this book, got bored, first time ever with her stories. Couldn't even finish it. I will try again

[Kathleen Nelson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose to read this as some light relief from the more realistic books I have been choosing recently.
A big mistake; I finished it but the plot was predictable from the beginning, the characters clichéd and the descriptions flowery .

[Jen Banks · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt like it was the longest book ever written. The story itself was sound, but there were a lot of side characters that were possibly not needed and what felt like a lot of padding to reach 487 pages. With a bit of trimming and a lot of editing this could have been really fantastic.

[Aisyah · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay, it took me 4 months to finish reading this book because it is quite long and winding. So many descriptions of things I don't care about and it's very slow progressing which I'm not used to when reading books. I prefer fast paced books and this was opposite of that.

During the 4 months it took me to complete this novel, I read "And then there were none" by Agatha Christie and it took me only a few days to finish it. So it wasn't like I was on a reading hiatus or something.

Anyways, give it a try if you feel like venturing in something new, but you're better off reading Sophie Kinsella for a funny and awesome chick-lit

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been awhile since I have read anything by Wendy Holden. I had read a few of her books in the past but the last one I read Marrying Up really wasn't that good and that put me off reading more from this author. Then along comes Honeymoon Suite with the most gorgeous cover that couldn't but fail to brighten up the long gloomy days of January fortunately it's the month of its publication. It is so colourful and bright and would certainly stand out on the shelves of a bookshop and say buy me now please. In answer to that I would say you have to buy this book it would be worth every penny, I literally couldn't put it down and despite being apprehensive before reading, considering my feelings on the last book I read from this author, I was ever so glad I took the chance on this one.

Yes it's long for a 'chick-lit' book at over 500 pages and one would wonder does a book in this genre need to be that long? What can be possibly be brought to the boy meets girl story? Normally I'd say no it doesn't at all but here it's the opposite if there had been 500 more pages I would have had happily kept on reading so engrossed was I in the story. There was never any lulls or boring bits it was all exciting and informative. In fact the numerous little sidelines bubbling away adjacent to the main plot only added more depth and enjoyment to the overall story. Not once did the number of characters, or the issues they were having, become confusing to read, and all the tangled connections and miscommunications which usually irritate me in a book were written so well here that I was reluctant for them to be resolved too early for that would mean the book would be finished and I really didn't want that to happen too quickly.

Honeymoon Suite was my first read of 2017 and I was glad I made that choice and didn't leave it languishing on my TBR pile for too long because I would have been missing out on a little gem that certainly enhanced my reading experience. The story is split into three distinct sections, none are overly long instead they end at just the correct time before the story moves on at a good pace. Often with books I find the title barely relates to the story or you are reading along wondering when the connection between title and plot will materialise. The honeymoon suite as mentioned here doesn't appear until around the halfway mark or even the bits mentioned in the blurb but it didn't bother me in the slightest because part one was all about the setting up and introduction of characters and their back stories and connections. Initially I was thinking was this really necessary but the more I read the more I realised it needed to be there and was in fact very clever and really shaped the book giving everything a clear beginning, middle and end which is often lacking in books. Yes the author went off on some tangents but they were welcome and always connected back to the main storyline making this a book to be read in as few sittings as possible, well that's how I felt about it anyway and I hope other readers will too.

Part One introduces us to our two main characters. Dylan Eliot is an author living in the charming coastal village of Tremadoc which was just beautifully described. I had hoped all of the book would be set here but as things come together we move to Pemberton. Throughout the entire story Wendy Holden excelled with her descriptions and really set the scene for her readers, I had clear pictures of everything in my head and she certainly made you wish Pemberton was real. Dylan had had fantastic success with his début novel after writing in the evenings after work. Now he is trying to complete that difficult second novel and wondering can he replicate the success he had or was it just a fluke? Dylan was dating Beatrice, the complete opposite to himself in terms of personality. She was a fireball, tempestuous, domineering and always up to have a fight of any kind. Really the pair shouldn't have been together at all. I loved how the author made one of her main characters a writer, the book nerd in me came out and I loved reading all about Dylan. As the story progresses I came to understand what a complex character Dylan really was and he could begin to cope with what befalls him.

Our other main character was Nell and again and it's unusual for me to feel this way but I loved her just as much as Dylan. Normally I prefer one main character over the other but it's testament to the way they were written that I loved both Nell and Dylan equally and wanted happiness for both of them but god did I enjoy their journey and ups and downs on the way to maybe finding it. Nell lives in London and since her PR company folded she works from home writing copy for all kinds of catalogues. She has been single for a year since Toby dumped her. To be honest I could see Nell was at a vulnerable stage in her life both professionally and romantically. Things weren't panning out the way she had hoped and she seemed as if she would jump at the first sign of anything anyway positive happening with regard to the two above mentioned issues. She joins a dating site and between one thing and another there are crossed wires and misunderstandings, lack of communication and above all else just coming out and asking a simple question. It was fun to see what unfolded towards the latter part of section one but I wondered why is this all happening so soon and when is the blurb going to start becoming relative but the author was merely teasing her readers and there was a lot more to explore and develop before any resolution could even be attempted.

As I have said I felt Nell was vulnerable and she certainly showcased this by rushing into marriage. I wanted to shake her and say what in god's name are you doing? This went way beyond being caught up in a moment. Suffice to say my fears proved right and Nell finds herself abandoned at the altar and her life is turned upside down. I felt desperately sorry for Nell but her new found friend Rachel and her daughter Juno were there to save the day and offer support and the words Nell needed to hear. Both Rachel and Juno were perfect additions to the story in fact any character that gets a mention, be it briefly or in more of an important role, were well placed throughout the story and none seemed there just to fill page space which I find can actually happen all too frequently in stories. Juno although very young was just brilliant. She was obsessed with Agatha Christie and spoke well beyond her years full of wisdom and blunt observations and not once did she ever hold back. She was not to be underestimated and played a pivotal role at just the appropriate time and provided many laugh out loud moments. Honeymoon Suite for me was almost like two books as in so much happened before Nell and Rachel decide to take the week away that had been booked as the honeymoon. Yet even though it felt like that the two halves even though there were three parts mixed together so well and I didn't notice the pages flying by.

The action and story lines throughout this book never let up and Nell begins to get a lot more than she bargained for once she reaches Pemberton. Many more characters were introduced including manager of the hotel Jason whose storyline was subtly played out to perfection. Angela in charge of human resources was just pure evil, OK she may have had things going on but that in no way excuses her for her carry on and she just appeared to get worse and crueller the more Nell seems to become stronger. I loved how Nell never put her down. Dan the gardener seemed to stick out a bit but I was proven wrong and George Farley was such a loveable character. So much happens in that later half of the book and someone even makes a surprise reappearance. I wanted people to come clean to each other and I wanted to know how everything all connected and I raced through the pages to discover all the answers to the many questions that had accumulated in my head. Yet I didn't want this wonderfully written clever, engaging story to end and I was sad it had too.

There was such a brilliant cast of colourful characters which at times their storylines could have descended into farce but thankfully they didn't. This story will renew your faith in love, life and relationships and I am so glad I came back to the writing of Wendy Holden after giving her last few books a miss. Honeymoon Suite is romantic comedy at its best. When this is done well you find the story unbearable to be away from it once you start and this is how I felt about this book. Will everything resolve itself and Nell find the happiness I felt she deserved? Will the same happen for all the other characters we encounter. Don't hesitate to buy this book come publication day it is so enjoyable and a brilliant read. I'd love a follow up with a novella maybe Christmas themed just to see how things are now. Fingers crossed.

[Heather W · Rating 1 out of 5]

A frustrating set of characters and a poor plot meant that I was sorely disappointed with this book. Going into it expecting a fairly standard love story, with the characters to go along with it, what I got was a story featuring some of the most annoying and poor characters I have read this year and only two redeeming features (Jason and George), not even Juno could save this one! I was annoyed throughout with the attitudes of the characters and the poorly attempted redemption arc at the end for one character was not only random but also, I felt, in poor taste.

I would not recommend this book, unfortunately. The blurb also gives away the most interesting points of the plot (with the events described not happening until around the 100 page mark). It is a slow book and unfortunately not for me.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

August 2, 2017

Full review is up on Word Revel.

____________

July 29, 2017

Initial thoughts: At first, I really struggled to get into Honeymoon Suite. There were a lot of characters to note, as the third-person omniscient point-of-view constantly flitted from one to the next and back. Their paths hadn't crossed yet, so it was confusing trying to keep their individual stories straight while trying to grasp the overarching plot of how their lives would intertwine.

Once I got past that disconcerting beginning, and things started to fall into place, I could relax and enjoy the book. There were a lot of situational ironies to keep me amused; plus, it was fun to see just how many ways their indidividual motivations would conflict with one another.

Note: I received a finished copy for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than I expected. Though a chicklit book, it wasn’t too lovey-dovey. I thought both Dylan and Nell were very self-centred and a bit slow on the uptake on things that were confused due to them getting the wrong end of the stick.
I had fun comparing the estate and village in the book to Chatsworth. Chestlock instead of Matlock indeed!

[Becky Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off as an interesting read but it became slow and dreary, having slight ups where I was interested again, only to be reading a few boring chapters. The storyline became unrealistic and the characters were annoying.

[Faye Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It was well written and I liked the characters. I am intrigued to find out if there will be a book 2 in the series....maybe there is already, I best check!

[Nadja Maria 🌞🐶 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Annoying characters, sloooow story & tbh it's more realistic to see a unicorn in your garden than a story happening like this.
There are some (maybe one or two) good parts but before you can celebrate them they're over and you're back in a bedtime story for adults.

[Claire Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read a lot of similar books I thought I would give someone different a try and I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest. A lovely and very easy read with twists and turns along the way. Lots of characters with different stories which all linked into each other. Looking forward to reading some more by Wendy.

[Debbie Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little boring

[Alison J Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, will she, won't she romantic story.

[Nikaeya Ridyard · Rating 2 out of 5]

A far fetched book which I had to “plough through” to finish. Tells the story of Nell who is left at the altar however chooses to go to her honeymoon anyway in the countryside. Whilst there, Nell is reunited with famous book author, Dylan, who has took to the countryside to escape the pressure of producing more books, after suffering the loss of a unreleased novel that perished in a fire at his home. Having previously met Dylan at a cafe, Nell is disappointed to reunite with Dylan however they overcome this disappointment and it blossoms into romance, concluding with them relocating to the countryside and living together.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe I'm misremembering things, but I though the earlier books I read by Wendy Holden were wittier and edgier. This was bog standard chick lit. A decent enough light read over a hot weekend but missing the snark.

[Charlotte · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading the description and then reading the first few chapters I was wondering if I were reading the right book. After the main story got underway, it was so frustratingly predictable you already knew what was about to happen 10 pages before you actually read it. I thought the characters were also very immature; Angela for instance, is a women past 50 and dresses like a teenager, and also acts like a teenager, Nell and Dylan both blaming each other for the problems and taking no responsibility at all, were hugely selfish and had the 'world revolves around me' vibe. However it was OK and entertaining enough to keep me interested.

[Tempest Wylde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wendy Holden is awesome. I loved her early stuff which was a bit more snarkier and a commentary on society and its mores.
But this new selection of her last 3 re-branded books are a lovely comfy read. Its all good and I love to know that when I read her books I will enjoy it.

[Lesley Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book it was a heart warming chick flick book. Well written good characters and a good old fashioned love story with a happy ending!

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won the book in the giveaway competition.
It's a really good book and a soft reading..
You will enjoy it

[Sheena · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a goodreads giveaway.I think I have realised I should stop reading this kind of book as they are not for me though I have enjoyed others of this type more than this one such as 'We were on a break' which I recently read.This one was maybe too over the top for me.Too many coincidences, too easily wrapped up happy endings, a rosy sweet smelling old peoples home where a character happily marries a woman who already has dementia, a wedding planner who burns down a stately home which she filled with candles with naked flames and seems to go unpunished (risk assessment anyone), awkward dialogue (especially from the lower classes) etc. I quite like the idea of living in the idyllic Edenville usually gilded with sunshine but I am afraid I did not take to any of the characters either (apart from Juno)and don't want them all living there too as of course they do right next door to each other. I found the constant attempts at humour unfunny. I know I sound like an old grump but do like to think I can enjoy a lightweight charming novel in among all the heavy doom and gloom I read (and enjoy) but perhaps I can't as lots of other reviewers have thoroughly enjoyed this story. I did love the very attractive cover.

[Carolyn Fitzmaurice]

I really enjoyed this story - it was one book I couldn't put down.

[Tracie Minshall-jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was slow to get into at first but perseverance paid off. Really enjoyed it. Would be good to read sitting on a beach or beside a pool.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

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