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The Grape Series #5
My Grape Wedding
Will Laura and Franck's engagement survive their tumultuous journey to the altar? My Grape Wedding, the fifth book in Laura Bradbury's #1 bestselling Grape Series, takes fans from London to the enchanting world of Burgundy five years after Laura inconveniently falls head over heels in love with Franck during a student exchange. After a spontaneous proposal in Kathmandu, the bride-to-be struggles with balancing the academic demands of a law degree at Oxford with lessons on how to be a proper Catholic and fittings with the Queen of England’s corset maker. Once in Burgundy. Laura’s anxiety grows as wedding plans fall apart. As guests arrive, the rain clouds move in, family wine tastings turn into survival of the fittest, and a bombshell from the priest leaves the couple looking for divine intervention. Laura believes she and Franck belong together, but will their relationship outlast the chaos en route to the altar? Consider this your invitation to the most uproarious and romantic french wedding of the Season. PRAISE FOR LAURA BRADBURY “Bradbury’s Grape Series feels like a series of honest and funny letters sent from a friend about her fascinating (and sometimes baffling) life in France. A beautiful read.” —Janice MacLeod, New York Times bestselling author of Paris Letters and A Paris Year “Bradbury’s Grape Series takes the reader on a romantic adventure into the heart, soul, and people of la belle France. Filled with delicious food, love, and laughter, Bradbury’s writing proves that you have to dare to follow your heart wherever it leads you…and that sometimes we have to step outside our comfort zone to truly live.” —Samantha Vérant, author of How to Make a French Family and Seven Letters from Paris
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2016
192 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Laura Bradbury
22 books343 followersLaura Bradbury is the author of the bestselling Grape Series, an award-winning cookbook Bisous and Brioche, the Winemakers Series, and "huggable" rom coms such as Oxford Wild.
She has a law degree from Keble College, Oxford but Laura’s true love was always storytelling.
She married a Frenchman and ran off to France after graduation so she would have something to write about. Now Laura lives between Burgundy, France and an island off Canada's West Coast with her French husband and their three daughters. She can be found writing, reading, or eating snails with a nice glass of Pinot.
Sign up for her beloved monthly Grapevine at www.bit.ly/LauraBradburyNewsletter or find her on IG at https://www.instagram.com/laurabradbu... or www.laurabradbury.com
She has a law degree from Keble College, Oxford but Laura’s true love was always storytelling.
She married a Frenchman and ran off to France after graduation so she would have something to write about. Now Laura lives between Burgundy, France and an island off Canada's West Coast with her French husband and their three daughters. She can be found writing, reading, or eating snails with a nice glass of Pinot.
Sign up for her beloved monthly Grapevine at www.bit.ly/LauraBradburyNewsletter or find her on IG at https://www.instagram.com/laurabradbu... or www.laurabradbury.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 4, 2025
I love this autobiographical series! I read them on Kindle on my old phone. These are the only books I actually read with my eyes: no text-to-speech or audiobook. My tracking issues take a long time. But I love the French phrases scattered throughout. With the little bit of French, I do on Duolingo, these are easy enough, and I mostly don't need help. But Kindle has the feature to show translation if needed or a dictionary lookup for words I might not get, such as food or other things that are foreign to me.
I feel I am traveling as I read these, and I love Laura Bradbury's family, friends, and her sweet husband.
Look, I know it is a book about a wedding, and the series seems to surround the romance of Laura and Franck, but these are more the growing process and educational adventures of Ms. Bradbury. As I mentioned, it seems more travel and food than the yucky, sweet, snuggling stuff that can get annoying in other books.
I look forward to reading more of this series. Sorry, it takes so long.
I feel I am traveling as I read these, and I love Laura Bradbury's family, friends, and her sweet husband.
Look, I know it is a book about a wedding, and the series seems to surround the romance of Laura and Franck, but these are more the growing process and educational adventures of Ms. Bradbury. As I mentioned, it seems more travel and food than the yucky, sweet, snuggling stuff that can get annoying in other books.
I look forward to reading more of this series. Sorry, it takes so long.
February 25, 2017
Really enjoyed this addition to Bradbury's Grape series. This tale of her very eventful, chaotic French wedding was both poignant and hilarious, and I could relate to the part that dealt with sacrificing one's happiness and time with loved ones for a less-than-ideal vocation.
I also appreciated her touching words at the end of the book. Intellectually, we all know life is short, but few of us take that into account when we make our decisions. As I'm standing on the threshold of a huge, terrifying life change, I appreciated the extra encouragement.
I've read a lot of "travel" memoirs of this type, and Bradbury's are among the best. This book was also more polished than the rest, with fewer typos. Recommended.
I also appreciated her touching words at the end of the book. Intellectually, we all know life is short, but few of us take that into account when we make our decisions. As I'm standing on the threshold of a huge, terrifying life change, I appreciated the extra encouragement.
I've read a lot of "travel" memoirs of this type, and Bradbury's are among the best. This book was also more polished than the rest, with fewer typos. Recommended.
June 21, 2018
I have only recently discovered Laura's books but I have now read three, and loved them all.
In "My Grape Wedding" we follow the couple's engagement in Kathmandu, before Laura begins a two year Law degree at Oxford.
The stress of studying and wedding planning overwhelms Laura, thus Franck commutes back and forth to Burgundy to ensure their big day is a success.
In "My Grape Wedding" we follow the couple's engagement in Kathmandu, before Laura begins a two year Law degree at Oxford.
The stress of studying and wedding planning overwhelms Laura, thus Franck commutes back and forth to Burgundy to ensure their big day is a success.
January 5, 2024
Fun pick for our book club theme. Now off to try a nice burgundy & a bunch of cheese!! Cheers🍾
July 29, 2025
Not for me but writing was solid.
August 18, 2016
Real Love, Real Life
What I liked best about this second episode of Laura's young adult years is Bradbury's realistic tone and topics. She and Franck are no longer starry-eyed new lovers. Now they're married in all but name, experiencing the shock of discovering the beloved's conflicting interests and priorities and trying to figure out whose needs come first. That realization of innate separateness often prompts breaking up but for these two it inspired a hastily cobbled together Burgundian wedding instead. Bradbury serves up humorous stories all along the way and seasons them with the salt of compromise that allows Laura and Franck to agreeably disagree. (My husband and I should take lessons from them!)
This book's tone is more mature than Grape #1, which some readers may not like. Laura's teenaged gusto was more appealing than her present frazzled fatigue. However I am glad Bradbury doesn't try to conceal or deny Laura's pre-matrimonial worry and doubt. Love remains alive and well nonetheless for our Canadian and Burgundian pair. I'm ready to learn what happens in the next book!
What I liked best about this second episode of Laura's young adult years is Bradbury's realistic tone and topics. She and Franck are no longer starry-eyed new lovers. Now they're married in all but name, experiencing the shock of discovering the beloved's conflicting interests and priorities and trying to figure out whose needs come first. That realization of innate separateness often prompts breaking up but for these two it inspired a hastily cobbled together Burgundian wedding instead. Bradbury serves up humorous stories all along the way and seasons them with the salt of compromise that allows Laura and Franck to agreeably disagree. (My husband and I should take lessons from them!)
This book's tone is more mature than Grape #1, which some readers may not like. Laura's teenaged gusto was more appealing than her present frazzled fatigue. However I am glad Bradbury doesn't try to conceal or deny Laura's pre-matrimonial worry and doubt. Love remains alive and well nonetheless for our Canadian and Burgundian pair. I'm ready to learn what happens in the next book!
January 1, 2017
Loved it
I adore reading stories about Americans living abroad. Or Brits or Canadians or whoever enjoying the ex pat experience. These books are especially great when well written and emotionally honest. Laura Bradbury has a gift of teaching us how to discover ourselves while discovering the world.
I adore reading stories about Americans living abroad. Or Brits or Canadians or whoever enjoying the ex pat experience. These books are especially great when well written and emotionally honest. Laura Bradbury has a gift of teaching us how to discover ourselves while discovering the world.
June 16, 2018
A lovely series
I thoroughly enjoyed this series of books. They are saturated with the atmosphere of France and all the delicious French food. It is wonderful to share Laura's experiences as she bravely flies from Canada to France, enroling as a student in a French University. Laura Bradbury writes beautifully, and allows her readers to see the glowing claret as it runs down the inside of the glass. We smell the ancient cellars, and soil under the grape vines. We can almost taste the flaky buttery pastry and melted cheese. We enjoy her handsome French boyfried as she describes him so perfectly. In this novel she veers dramatically from one emotion to another. Sheer exhaustion while studying law at Oxford, and as a volunteer in Katmandu. We marvel at her healty appetite and capacity to drink vast quantities of alcohol continuously without apparently gaining much weight. I found the story a bit disjointed since their periods of living in Canada were excluded. I was left wondering what happened to her pregnancy before she married. Did she terminate it? I thought she said she could never do that? Her lack of faith saddened me too. God was giving her such marvellous experiences yet she could not recognise that. However her and Franck's ability to take great joy out of living and to experience life in all its fullness filled every page with delight. Her novels breathe and pulse with vibrant joyous life. I love them!
I thoroughly enjoyed this series of books. They are saturated with the atmosphere of France and all the delicious French food. It is wonderful to share Laura's experiences as she bravely flies from Canada to France, enroling as a student in a French University. Laura Bradbury writes beautifully, and allows her readers to see the glowing claret as it runs down the inside of the glass. We smell the ancient cellars, and soil under the grape vines. We can almost taste the flaky buttery pastry and melted cheese. We enjoy her handsome French boyfried as she describes him so perfectly. In this novel she veers dramatically from one emotion to another. Sheer exhaustion while studying law at Oxford, and as a volunteer in Katmandu. We marvel at her healty appetite and capacity to drink vast quantities of alcohol continuously without apparently gaining much weight. I found the story a bit disjointed since their periods of living in Canada were excluded. I was left wondering what happened to her pregnancy before she married. Did she terminate it? I thought she said she could never do that? Her lack of faith saddened me too. God was giving her such marvellous experiences yet she could not recognise that. However her and Franck's ability to take great joy out of living and to experience life in all its fullness filled every page with delight. Her novels breathe and pulse with vibrant joyous life. I love them!
April 9, 2021
Another Delightful Read
I am loving this series of books, once I finished My Grape Paris I quickly delved into My Grape Wedding, I was not disappointed, book five is every bit as good as the last four books. Whilst on an exchange year five years previously, Laura met and fell head over heels in love with Franck, this is a true fairytale romance.
We now find Laura and Franck in Kathmandu volunteering for three months at an optical camp in Nepal where Franck throws a spontaneous marriage proposal into the mix. Laura has no hesitation in accepting even though she is still struggling with her education choice of studying Law back in Oxford.
Once back in Oxford Laura is thrown back into the stress of her studies, now with the added stress of a wedding to organise which is mainly left to Franck travelling back and forth between Oxford and Burgundy to make sure it is a successful wedding.
Back in the beautiful Burgundy valley, their wedding day draws closer with family and friends arriving from Canada and Oxford Laura's stress levels rise. They have been through good times and hard times together, will all go to plan, or will chaos reign? One thing is for sure, the wonderful foods of France will be plentiful.
Written in such a beautiful and intense way the reader feels as if they are there with them, enjoying the wonderful food and beautiful scenery. Thank you, Laura.
I am loving this series of books, once I finished My Grape Paris I quickly delved into My Grape Wedding, I was not disappointed, book five is every bit as good as the last four books. Whilst on an exchange year five years previously, Laura met and fell head over heels in love with Franck, this is a true fairytale romance.
We now find Laura and Franck in Kathmandu volunteering for three months at an optical camp in Nepal where Franck throws a spontaneous marriage proposal into the mix. Laura has no hesitation in accepting even though she is still struggling with her education choice of studying Law back in Oxford.
Once back in Oxford Laura is thrown back into the stress of her studies, now with the added stress of a wedding to organise which is mainly left to Franck travelling back and forth between Oxford and Burgundy to make sure it is a successful wedding.
Back in the beautiful Burgundy valley, their wedding day draws closer with family and friends arriving from Canada and Oxford Laura's stress levels rise. They have been through good times and hard times together, will all go to plan, or will chaos reign? One thing is for sure, the wonderful foods of France will be plentiful.
Written in such a beautiful and intense way the reader feels as if they are there with them, enjoying the wonderful food and beautiful scenery. Thank you, Laura.
May 11, 2019
The third book in Ms. Bradbury’s grape series, my grape wedding. Reading this book makes me hungry and thirsty. I find myself jotting down names of cheese and wine, and looking up recipes. I have been to France four times and never had a bad meal, but the Burgundian food mentioned in this book out classes anything else I have had in France. Make sure you are well fed before you read this book.
More importantly this is a well written and enjoyable book. It gives a peek into a life that many people dream about. A fun read about a couples’ struggles to be married in France with help from friends and relatives. The shock of the brides family and friends from Canada over Burgundian meals and wine drinking. Now they have to do it again in western Canada. Where the groom’s family and friends will be exposed to Canadian customs and food. I’m looking forward to see how that goes. No violence nor hard core sex, but the series does not need it. The stories stand on their own. I recommend this series to everyone.
More importantly this is a well written and enjoyable book. It gives a peek into a life that many people dream about. A fun read about a couples’ struggles to be married in France with help from friends and relatives. The shock of the brides family and friends from Canada over Burgundian meals and wine drinking. Now they have to do it again in western Canada. Where the groom’s family and friends will be exposed to Canadian customs and food. I’m looking forward to see how that goes. No violence nor hard core sex, but the series does not need it. The stories stand on their own. I recommend this series to everyone.
September 29, 2017
This was an interesting story written from the perspective of a high school graduate making her first trip to France. I liked that the author used sentence and speech patterns reflective of a newly graduated young woman. I also liked that as the character matured, so did the thought processes and language.
Characters were likable and, while most of them not developed very deeply, there was enough to make you want to know more about many of them. Perhaps setting the stage for future books?
It is an easy, fast read and does the trick when you don't want to think too deeply about anything and just relax.
Characters were likable and, while most of them not developed very deeply, there was enough to make you want to know more about many of them. Perhaps setting the stage for future books?
It is an easy, fast read and does the trick when you don't want to think too deeply about anything and just relax.
April 6, 2018
A delight!
After finishing 'My Grape Year' by Laura Bradbury, I went straight onto the next in the series, 'My Grape Wedding'. Both books are a delight, I love them!
Wow, I never foresaw that: At the beginning of the book I was wondering why they were in Kathmandu. Laura and Franck are volunteering at an optical surgical camp in Nepal for three months. How did that come about? What happened in between? Although there are currently four books in the series, the author didn't necessarily write them in order and I have pre-ordered her newest title, 'My Grape Paris' which is listed as book #2 in the series (My Grape Wedding was previously #2) so I'm guessing that that one will fill us in on events between 'My Grape Year' and 'My Grape Wedding'. I found it very interesting with the medical angle. And the book explores harder issues here, although this is only a small portion of the book-then we're back in France.
On returning to France, Laura and Franck are leading up to their wedding preparations and her exchange year had been seven years ago, they had been together all those years. Again, the food writing is absolutely SCRUMPTIOUS! On Laura's descriptions, even I would give snails a go! Maybe.
Another super book. A lovely series. Can't wait for 'My Grape Paris'!
After finishing 'My Grape Year' by Laura Bradbury, I went straight onto the next in the series, 'My Grape Wedding'. Both books are a delight, I love them!
Wow, I never foresaw that: At the beginning of the book I was wondering why they were in Kathmandu. Laura and Franck are volunteering at an optical surgical camp in Nepal for three months. How did that come about? What happened in between? Although there are currently four books in the series, the author didn't necessarily write them in order and I have pre-ordered her newest title, 'My Grape Paris' which is listed as book #2 in the series (My Grape Wedding was previously #2) so I'm guessing that that one will fill us in on events between 'My Grape Year' and 'My Grape Wedding'. I found it very interesting with the medical angle. And the book explores harder issues here, although this is only a small portion of the book-then we're back in France.
On returning to France, Laura and Franck are leading up to their wedding preparations and her exchange year had been seven years ago, they had been together all those years. Again, the food writing is absolutely SCRUMPTIOUS! On Laura's descriptions, even I would give snails a go! Maybe.
Another super book. A lovely series. Can't wait for 'My Grape Paris'!
October 21, 2020
I stumbled upon Laura's writing through the connection of a wonderful mutual friend. Her books have inspired me to start writing as well! She writes so clearly that I feel like I am right there with her taking every step along her journey. As someone who faced death, she reminds readers that life is short and to throw caution to the wind and just do what you want! I love her passion and beautiful stories. This book took me on a journey through Kathmandu, to Oxford, then on to the lovely Burgundy Valley. Even though I live in Paris myself, I had never discovered Burgundy and love learning about my backyard through her delightful words. Read them all!
January 8, 2019
Challenges are many in this memoir but there remains an underlying positivity that seems to have carried this family through the years. The time in Oxford was hard for Laura but it seemed to be foreshadowing the persistence and fortitude needed to accomplish the later work that Laura and Franck take on. The wedding description is a roller coaster ride but still leaves one hoping to be invited to a real Burgundian wedding one day! So charming! The food and wine descriptions are fabulous. This is a beautifully crafted 'feel good' read!
July 4, 2020
A fun and fitting follow to her previous books
Thanks to a charming series of autobiographical books, which to me feel more like novels because of the strength of the story lines, I feel I have come to know a way of life in France that I would never otherwise be able to experience. The people are charming, and so real that I almost feel I could knock on their doors to say “greetings.” I wish continued good health and happiness to Laura and her family.
Thanks to a charming series of autobiographical books, which to me feel more like novels because of the strength of the story lines, I feel I have come to know a way of life in France that I would never otherwise be able to experience. The people are charming, and so real that I almost feel I could knock on their doors to say “greetings.” I wish continued good health and happiness to Laura and her family.
August 5, 2020
Another great episode in the Grape series
From Paris to Burgundy and the setting for a traditional French wedding. Of course, things don’t run smoothly, but Laura’s easy writing style shines through. From a proposal in Katmandu to a last-minute change of wedding venue, you feel that you really get to know Laura and Franck as they approach their big day. Written with honesty and great attention to detail, this is another great book in the Grape series.
From Paris to Burgundy and the setting for a traditional French wedding. Of course, things don’t run smoothly, but Laura’s easy writing style shines through. From a proposal in Katmandu to a last-minute change of wedding venue, you feel that you really get to know Laura and Franck as they approach their big day. Written with honesty and great attention to detail, this is another great book in the Grape series.
August 10, 2020
My Grape Wedding
Another great read by Laura Bradbury. It takes you on a journey from Kathmandu, to Oxford, then on to the beautiful Burgundy Valley. The stories about the wedding plans, the marvellous food, the people are all so very endearing. The book is informative and fun to read, makes the reader want to rush to The Burgundy Valley to share some of the great experiences and to feel the true Burgundian way of life, which is so fascinating and endearing.
Another great read by Laura Bradbury. It takes you on a journey from Kathmandu, to Oxford, then on to the beautiful Burgundy Valley. The stories about the wedding plans, the marvellous food, the people are all so very endearing. The book is informative and fun to read, makes the reader want to rush to The Burgundy Valley to share some of the great experiences and to feel the true Burgundian way of life, which is so fascinating and endearing.
March 10, 2021
The Grape Series continues with Franck and Laura getting married both in a civil ceremony and another at a beautiful village church. It's truly amazing that this young couple met in France when she was an exchange student from Canada and ended up married several years later. Her years at Oxford are difficult causing her panic attacks and anxiety. While she studies for a Law Degree, it is apparent to the reader that this is not where her passion lies.
September 12, 2022
I have just finished My Grape Wedding (#5 in the series) and already purchased #6-My Grape Escape. I have loved all of Laura Bradbury's books so far. As a Francophile, but someone who has not yet been to France, I am just loving all the beautiful descriptions of the French countryside and the luscious food! Laura's writing is so fluid, easy to read, and her stories are always engaging. I highly recommend this series.
March 22, 2019
Wish I'd been a guest at the wedding!
I've read the first three Grape books on n the last two weeks. Sometimes you need vicarious travel with a book to help you through a rough patch. Laura Bradbury is an excellent writer who has me panting to visit Burgandy, and has us all falling in love with her French family and friends. What a lovely gift!
I've read the first three Grape books on n the last two weeks. Sometimes you need vicarious travel with a book to help you through a rough patch. Laura Bradbury is an excellent writer who has me panting to visit Burgandy, and has us all falling in love with her French family and friends. What a lovely gift!
May 1, 2019
Laura & Franck tie the knot in Burgundy France with all of the hassles weddings bring and more. As the third book in this series, we know all of players, and again, food, wine, and family take centre stage. A lovely story about balancing all of the responsibilities of a large wedding with the true meaning of such an event.
February 26, 2017
Loved learning more about Burgundian culture and wedding traditions. Have read all the books in this autobiographical series. Amazing life this author shares so honestly with us - her readers. Merci!
August 7, 2017
Lots of love and laugh
I read this book out of sequence and still enjoyed reading about how Laura and Franck made it official. I want to celebrate with them - it all sounds so wonderful!
I read this book out of sequence and still enjoyed reading about how Laura and Franck made it official. I want to celebrate with them - it all sounds so wonderful!
February 12, 2019
Another great book by Laura Bradbury, and I wanted to be her! The families are hilarious and yet so sincere. It's not a traditional American wedding but is what I had seen on one of my trips to France so I liked the reality. I couldn't put it down!
January 5, 2022
Even though I think of myself as a foodie, this book to it too far. There really wasn't a plot to the book. It was simply about how an Oxford law student had her fiancé, plan their wedding in France. Chapters were dedicated to describing food.... No plot.
December 13, 2024
This is the 3rd in the Grape series that I have read/or listened to on audible. I enjoy Laura Bradbury's story telling and her adventures with her fiance/now husband Frank. Her books are a delightful read!
March 28, 2019
Very well written
April 20, 2019
Good series
I love reading about the French culture and how Laura was able to not only learn the language but become obsorbed with the customs and culture.
I love reading about the French culture and how Laura was able to not only learn the language but become obsorbed with the customs and culture.
June 28, 2019
Such a fun series of books! I’m plowing right through them!
August 12, 2019
While shorter than the previous books in the series, I enjoyed watch the events of Laura and Franck’s weeding unfold.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews