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Carlton Square #1
The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square
You’re warmly invited to the Wedding of the Century with all your favourite friends. It’s the most gorgeous vintage fun you’ll have this year!
When Emma’s boyfriend Daniel pops the question with a ring the size of a small country, she realises just how different their worlds are. Her family can only afford a low-key wedding while Daniel’s mother is expecting a society party that their high-brow guests won’t forget!
How will Emma put together a sophisticated champagne-sodden celebration fit for Lords and Ladies when her dad won’t accept any help from Daniel’s family, her best friend Kelly has become a world-class Bridesmaidzilla and her cross-dressing Uncle Barbara is dying to strut his stuff up the aisle?
The big day is three months away. Just don’t look too closely, because nothing is as it seems!
When Emma’s boyfriend Daniel pops the question with a ring the size of a small country, she realises just how different their worlds are. Her family can only afford a low-key wedding while Daniel’s mother is expecting a society party that their high-brow guests won’t forget!
How will Emma put together a sophisticated champagne-sodden celebration fit for Lords and Ladies when her dad won’t accept any help from Daniel’s family, her best friend Kelly has become a world-class Bridesmaidzilla and her cross-dressing Uncle Barbara is dying to strut his stuff up the aisle?
The big day is three months away. Just don’t look too closely, because nothing is as it seems!
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
339 people are currently reading
572 people want to read
About the author
Lilly Bartlett
10 books88 followersLilly Bartlett’s cosy comedies are full of warmth, quirky characters and guaranteed happily-ever-afters.
Lilly is the pen-name of Sunday Times and USA Today best-selling author, Michele Gorman, who writes best friend-girl power comedies under her own name.
BE SURE NOT TO MISS LILLY'S NEXT BOOK. Sign up for the newsletter (only around 3 per year) ang get the chance to get her books on sale or even for free, or read her books before they are published! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/b96-Yz
Lilly is the pen-name of Sunday Times and USA Today best-selling author, Michele Gorman, who writes best friend-girl power comedies under her own name.
BE SURE NOT TO MISS LILLY'S NEXT BOOK. Sign up for the newsletter (only around 3 per year) ang get the chance to get her books on sale or even for free, or read her books before they are published! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/b96-Yz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
June 14, 2017
Working Class, East End Londoner, Emma, knew that she was dating a posh boy, she just didn’t realise how posh until he popped the question, with a huge diamond ring.
Daniel, her fiancé, lived in a modest flat with one of his friends. It wasn’t until his parents held an engagement party for them at their home, that Emma realised, once again, just what different worlds the two of them came from. His parents’ home was a mansion, but not just any mansion, an enormous mansion that put her parents little council house to shame.
Giving themselves just three months to plan their wedding, the two set about trying to do it on a budget. Emma’s dad wanted to pay for the wedding, but being disabled, and out of work, he couldn’t afford much. Daniel’s mother, though has other ideas, with her £20 per napkin, goldfish as presents for all the guests, and a chocolate fountain, she’s not after doing it on the cheap – oh and let’s not forget the very expensive wedding dress that she wants Emma to buy.
Can the two of them find a compromise that will suit both worlds?
The posh meets poor, and starts a relationship, is not a new plot by any means, and has been written about time, and time again. What sets this book apart is the added fun that Lilly/Michele has added to it.
Emma is a young woman who wants to go places in her life. She is very family orientated, and loves them dearly. She doesn’t want to upset her dad by turning down his offer to pay for his only daughter’s wedding, so she decides that it is only fair that her wedding be small and modest.
Daniel, although he comes from a family who are used to partying with lords, and never having to worry about money issues, actually has his feet on the ground. He isn’t the posh boy who is carefree, and obnoxious. He wants to help change the world, and he clearly loves Emma. He doesn’t care about their upbringing differences.
The plot, although not entirely believable in today’s society, was interesting, and quite a lot of the time, very amusing. Though sometimes it’s good to get away from reality for a little while. The book is an easy, relaxing, chick-lit. One that you can take to the beach, and spend a few hours in Emma and Daniel’s life.
It is superbly written, and the love that Emma and Daniel have for one another shines off the pages. It has that uplifting feel to it, and keeps you immersed in these two young lovers’ lives, right until the very end.
I enjoyed every minute of it, and can’t wait to get started on book two – The Second Chance Café in Carlton Square.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Daniel, her fiancé, lived in a modest flat with one of his friends. It wasn’t until his parents held an engagement party for them at their home, that Emma realised, once again, just what different worlds the two of them came from. His parents’ home was a mansion, but not just any mansion, an enormous mansion that put her parents little council house to shame.
Giving themselves just three months to plan their wedding, the two set about trying to do it on a budget. Emma’s dad wanted to pay for the wedding, but being disabled, and out of work, he couldn’t afford much. Daniel’s mother, though has other ideas, with her £20 per napkin, goldfish as presents for all the guests, and a chocolate fountain, she’s not after doing it on the cheap – oh and let’s not forget the very expensive wedding dress that she wants Emma to buy.
Can the two of them find a compromise that will suit both worlds?
The posh meets poor, and starts a relationship, is not a new plot by any means, and has been written about time, and time again. What sets this book apart is the added fun that Lilly/Michele has added to it.
Emma is a young woman who wants to go places in her life. She is very family orientated, and loves them dearly. She doesn’t want to upset her dad by turning down his offer to pay for his only daughter’s wedding, so she decides that it is only fair that her wedding be small and modest.
Daniel, although he comes from a family who are used to partying with lords, and never having to worry about money issues, actually has his feet on the ground. He isn’t the posh boy who is carefree, and obnoxious. He wants to help change the world, and he clearly loves Emma. He doesn’t care about their upbringing differences.
The plot, although not entirely believable in today’s society, was interesting, and quite a lot of the time, very amusing. Though sometimes it’s good to get away from reality for a little while. The book is an easy, relaxing, chick-lit. One that you can take to the beach, and spend a few hours in Emma and Daniel’s life.
It is superbly written, and the love that Emma and Daniel have for one another shines off the pages. It has that uplifting feel to it, and keeps you immersed in these two young lovers’ lives, right until the very end.
I enjoyed every minute of it, and can’t wait to get started on book two – The Second Chance Café in Carlton Square.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
June 1, 2017
*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
I was really excited when I found out that Michele Gorman was starting a new series using her pen name Lilly Bartlett, so here we go with book one.
The story follows Emma and Daniel, who are happily engaged. However, it's only after the engagement when they start realizing how different their worlds aftually are. They come from two very different families, which makes wedding planning a bit tricky.
I loved reading about the two families and them getting to know each other and fini g a way somehow. The characters are great fun and a lovely mixture of personalities. I felt like there was no real start to the story, it just stared in the middle of something.
Some secrets are added to the story, one of them being very lovely and everything together created a wonderful atmosphere. This is a lovely, vivid, light, bubbly and fun read, full of exciting scenes. Can't waut for the next part of the series now!
I was really excited when I found out that Michele Gorman was starting a new series using her pen name Lilly Bartlett, so here we go with book one.
The story follows Emma and Daniel, who are happily engaged. However, it's only after the engagement when they start realizing how different their worlds aftually are. They come from two very different families, which makes wedding planning a bit tricky.
I loved reading about the two families and them getting to know each other and fini g a way somehow. The characters are great fun and a lovely mixture of personalities. I felt like there was no real start to the story, it just stared in the middle of something.
Some secrets are added to the story, one of them being very lovely and everything together created a wonderful atmosphere. This is a lovely, vivid, light, bubbly and fun read, full of exciting scenes. Can't waut for the next part of the series now!
April 12, 2017
WOW! This was a pure joy to read! I absolutely loved this!
The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square is utterly fantastic full of humour and romance. Its exciting and really easy to read. The beautiful cover of the book is very enticing and the whole story is just wonderfully put together.
The characters in the book are all so different and it doesnt take long to get to know each of them and get attached to them.
The main character Emma you just have so much love for her, she goes through so much and feels a lot of pressure to please her in laws and her own family and most importantly herself. I think she does spectacularly pleasing everyone and pulling off the big day she has. I think a lot of us would of cracked under the strains.
I have to say this is one of my favourite books ever!
The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square is utterly fantastic full of humour and romance. Its exciting and really easy to read. The beautiful cover of the book is very enticing and the whole story is just wonderfully put together.
The characters in the book are all so different and it doesnt take long to get to know each of them and get attached to them.
The main character Emma you just have so much love for her, she goes through so much and feels a lot of pressure to please her in laws and her own family and most importantly herself. I think she does spectacularly pleasing everyone and pulling off the big day she has. I think a lot of us would of cracked under the strains.
I have to say this is one of my favourite books ever!
April 7, 2017
When poverty stricken Emma gets engaged to rich Daniel, the two families are seemingly from different planets, let alone different parts of London.
The Big Little Wedding at Carlton Square is such an entertaining read. I don’t often read what might be termed chick-lit, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I thought the underlying message that a marriage isn’t the product of an expensive wedding but it based on love, friends and family was delivered perfectly, without preachiness or sentimentality.
Although the narrative revolves around the preparations for the wedding and Emma’s attempts to present a reception that will fool Daniel’s family into thinking she created it deliberately whilst saving as much money as possible, there are other well presented themes too. I liked the concept that we shouldn’t judge others before we know them properly. Uncle Barbara’s desire to wear dresses, Auntie Rose’s wanderings, Dad’s illness, are just some of the aspects that add depth to make The Big Little Wedding at Carlton Square a satisfying read.
Humour comes through the differences between the two families and the direct speech enabled me to hear the different characters beautifully well. Although I didn’t warm to Kelly I understood her unhappiness at feeling supplanted in her best friend’s affections and I felt that Lilly Bartlett has created a cast of true-to-life people I really want to hear more about.
The Big Little Wedding at Carlton Square is a feel good read about characters I want to read more about. Great fun.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/04/07/...
The Big Little Wedding at Carlton Square is such an entertaining read. I don’t often read what might be termed chick-lit, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I thought the underlying message that a marriage isn’t the product of an expensive wedding but it based on love, friends and family was delivered perfectly, without preachiness or sentimentality.
Although the narrative revolves around the preparations for the wedding and Emma’s attempts to present a reception that will fool Daniel’s family into thinking she created it deliberately whilst saving as much money as possible, there are other well presented themes too. I liked the concept that we shouldn’t judge others before we know them properly. Uncle Barbara’s desire to wear dresses, Auntie Rose’s wanderings, Dad’s illness, are just some of the aspects that add depth to make The Big Little Wedding at Carlton Square a satisfying read.
Humour comes through the differences between the two families and the direct speech enabled me to hear the different characters beautifully well. Although I didn’t warm to Kelly I understood her unhappiness at feeling supplanted in her best friend’s affections and I felt that Lilly Bartlett has created a cast of true-to-life people I really want to hear more about.
The Big Little Wedding at Carlton Square is a feel good read about characters I want to read more about. Great fun.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/04/07/...
June 27, 2017
I really hate writing less than glowing reviews, but this book had a very serious problem that people need to be aware of.
First, let me just say that Gorman was one of my favorite authors. I love her other books. I was incredibly excited to find this one (although I don't really get why she didn't publish it under the same name as the others). So when "Uncle Barbara" appeared, and I discovered how badly written this character was, it was rather upsetting. A trans person is not a punchline, and shouldn't be used to show how low class one family is compared to another. That was the original issue. But it goes beyond that:
1. The character reads like Gorman couldn't decide whether Barbara should be a crossdresser or a transwoman. Barbara was born Marc, and at one point started dressing in women's clothes. Fine. Name change from Marc to Barbara. Also fine. However, Barbara still uses male pronouns and has facial hair, which trans women typically don't do.
2. Emma specifically refers to Barbara's transition during the book.
3. Barbara is disappointed not to be allowed to use the women's dressing room when trying on bridesmaid's gowns.
4. When they go swimming, Barbara uses the men's dressing room, wears swim trunks, and Emma comments on her hairy chest.
5. Emma's parents refer to Barbara's female clothes as "dressing up," and makes a note that Barbara can look "normal" when necessary.
6. Later in the book, Emma says that Barbara is not trans, just a man who likes wearing women's clothing. But cis men in women's clothes don't change their names and don't transition.
7. One of the characters early on makes a joke about a "tranny," which is a derogatory term that should never be used in 2017. Not even to show that a character is insensitive.
I believe there are other examples, but that's enough.
Also of note, Emma refers to her extended friends and family as a "tribe," although none of them are Natives. I realize it's common, but it's also offensive to the people who are having their culture appropriated.
Going back to the book itself, it also bothered me that Emma never really stopped to consider Daniel's point of view on anything, or his mother's. She's obsessed with the money and doing a cheap wedding, spending hundreds of hours and calling in favors from everyone she knows. Phillippa gets totally shut out because she's rich. Maybe she doesn't live in East London, but she could still contribute. She could give a "favor" of money to pay for one of her suggestions. She was trying to help, and Emma was basically a bitch about it. Yes, I get not having a lot of money, and I get being sensitive about it, but she didn't even try to make her mother-in-law feel involved. Just shut her down at every turn.
If the character of Barbara were handled more sensitively, I might read the second book. But at this point, I don't think I can do it.
First, let me just say that Gorman was one of my favorite authors. I love her other books. I was incredibly excited to find this one (although I don't really get why she didn't publish it under the same name as the others). So when "Uncle Barbara" appeared, and I discovered how badly written this character was, it was rather upsetting. A trans person is not a punchline, and shouldn't be used to show how low class one family is compared to another. That was the original issue. But it goes beyond that:
1. The character reads like Gorman couldn't decide whether Barbara should be a crossdresser or a transwoman. Barbara was born Marc, and at one point started dressing in women's clothes. Fine. Name change from Marc to Barbara. Also fine. However, Barbara still uses male pronouns and has facial hair, which trans women typically don't do.
2. Emma specifically refers to Barbara's transition during the book.
3. Barbara is disappointed not to be allowed to use the women's dressing room when trying on bridesmaid's gowns.
4. When they go swimming, Barbara uses the men's dressing room, wears swim trunks, and Emma comments on her hairy chest.
5. Emma's parents refer to Barbara's female clothes as "dressing up," and makes a note that Barbara can look "normal" when necessary.
6. Later in the book, Emma says that Barbara is not trans, just a man who likes wearing women's clothing. But cis men in women's clothes don't change their names and don't transition.
7. One of the characters early on makes a joke about a "tranny," which is a derogatory term that should never be used in 2017. Not even to show that a character is insensitive.
I believe there are other examples, but that's enough.
Also of note, Emma refers to her extended friends and family as a "tribe," although none of them are Natives. I realize it's common, but it's also offensive to the people who are having their culture appropriated.
Going back to the book itself, it also bothered me that Emma never really stopped to consider Daniel's point of view on anything, or his mother's. She's obsessed with the money and doing a cheap wedding, spending hundreds of hours and calling in favors from everyone she knows. Phillippa gets totally shut out because she's rich. Maybe she doesn't live in East London, but she could still contribute. She could give a "favor" of money to pay for one of her suggestions. She was trying to help, and Emma was basically a bitch about it. Yes, I get not having a lot of money, and I get being sensitive about it, but she didn't even try to make her mother-in-law feel involved. Just shut her down at every turn.
If the character of Barbara were handled more sensitively, I might read the second book. But at this point, I don't think I can do it.
March 23, 2017
Absolutely wonderful romantic comedy that is guaranteed to lift your spirits and put a great big grin on my face. As a North West Londoner, I was especially amused to see this was a romance of an East End London girl, to a rather more upper class Chelsea based man.
However until the proposal, Emma hadn't actually realised that Daniel came from a completely different way of life from her, and as they plan together a wedding on a shoe string budget, it really is East meets West (London) as they all see how the other half lives.
Emma loves Daniel's mother, but she has completely different ideas to her on every single aspect of wedding planning, and Daniel although he knows there is a budget, well his idea of economising was using the same chauffeur for more than one journey during the day, whereas Emma's thoughts on getting to and from venues involved walking!
It's not just Emma and Daniel that need to find a happy medium, its equally amusing when the two sets of parents meet, and also when the friends merge. Wedding dress shopping included two very different experiences, and what really amazed me was just how inventive Emma and her family and friends were when it came to the nitty gritty details of the wedding.
Let's not forget that in Emma's extended family is her Uncle Barbara who is very comfortable in a dress, and rarely wears male clothes anymore, and Auntie Rosie who tends to go walkabout. Her father is unfortunately suffering from a horrible disease, and I really felt for her, as I know what its like to have a dad with MS.
I don't think there was a second of this book that I didn't completely enjoy. I loved everything about it, and there are some great surprises in it too. And the wedding, without spoilers let me just say that although we have seen all the preparations, I still couldn't believe how everything came together on the day, and I just thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.
This is a fabulous feel good story, that is easy to follow, that made me want to keep on reading to keep the good feelings going, and has been written by a clearly talented author. I am just crossing my fingers that there may be a sequel as I really want to see more from this colourful cast of characters.
Thank you so much to Samantha Gale at Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
However until the proposal, Emma hadn't actually realised that Daniel came from a completely different way of life from her, and as they plan together a wedding on a shoe string budget, it really is East meets West (London) as they all see how the other half lives.
Emma loves Daniel's mother, but she has completely different ideas to her on every single aspect of wedding planning, and Daniel although he knows there is a budget, well his idea of economising was using the same chauffeur for more than one journey during the day, whereas Emma's thoughts on getting to and from venues involved walking!
It's not just Emma and Daniel that need to find a happy medium, its equally amusing when the two sets of parents meet, and also when the friends merge. Wedding dress shopping included two very different experiences, and what really amazed me was just how inventive Emma and her family and friends were when it came to the nitty gritty details of the wedding.
Let's not forget that in Emma's extended family is her Uncle Barbara who is very comfortable in a dress, and rarely wears male clothes anymore, and Auntie Rosie who tends to go walkabout. Her father is unfortunately suffering from a horrible disease, and I really felt for her, as I know what its like to have a dad with MS.
I don't think there was a second of this book that I didn't completely enjoy. I loved everything about it, and there are some great surprises in it too. And the wedding, without spoilers let me just say that although we have seen all the preparations, I still couldn't believe how everything came together on the day, and I just thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.
This is a fabulous feel good story, that is easy to follow, that made me want to keep on reading to keep the good feelings going, and has been written by a clearly talented author. I am just crossing my fingers that there may be a sequel as I really want to see more from this colourful cast of characters.
Thank you so much to Samantha Gale at Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 18, 2017
When East End girl Emma and West London bred Daniel decide to get married, Emma's proud Dad is adamant that he and her mother will pay for the wedding, despite the fact that they are already living on a shoestring. With a tight budget, Emma has to try and plan a wedding that will please her parents, but also impress her wealthy in-laws-to-be.
A nice, easy read, the story was engaging and full of well rounded, interesting characters. It was fun to join Emma and her motley crew on the quest to plan her perfect day. Lovely escapism for a dreary Autumn afternoon.
A nice, easy read, the story was engaging and full of well rounded, interesting characters. It was fun to join Emma and her motley crew on the quest to plan her perfect day. Lovely escapism for a dreary Autumn afternoon.
June 23, 2017
Emma and Daniel are very much in love, but when Daniel asks Emma to marry him, it becomes clear that they are from two completely different worlds. Daniel's parents are rich and money is no object. Emma comes from East London, where people aren't loaded, but do know the value of friendship and community. Daniel's mother wants a society wedding, but Emma's parents can't afford anything fancy. They don't want Daniel's parents to pay for anything though. How will Emma manage her future mother-in-law's expectations while making sure her parents won't go bankrupt at the same time? Will Emma have the wedding of her dreams or will fighting best friends, the pressure she's under and hardly having any money to spend spoil her big day?
The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square is a wonderful story. I immediately loved Emma. When there's a problem she tries to solve it, she's capable, loving and strong. She's kindhearted and generous as well and she wants to keep everybody happy. Emma is also creative and comes up with the most fantastic plans. I admired her strength and determination to make sure everyone would have a great time at her wedding and nobody would be disappointed. It was fun to read about her plans, the love for her family, best friend and Daniel and the original solutions she comes up with.
Daniel is a sweetheart. He's posh and I especially loved the endearing way Lilly Bartlett describes his accent. Reading the dialogue kept putting a big smile on my face. He's a generous and gentle man and I liked reading about his love for Emma and how he's trying to make her happy. I absolutely loved his warm personality and could easily understand why Emma wants to marry him, which makes the story fabulously sparkling.
The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square is a terrific romantic story. There are also plenty of lovely tips and tricks when it comes to planning a wedding on an extremely tight budget. Lilly Bartlett managed to surprise me plenty of times with her inventiveness. I liked the setting and enjoyed reading about the cozy atmosphere of East London. Emma's friends and family truly love her and want to help in any way they can. I found that incredibly heartwarming. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see if Emma would succeed and loved the very special ending of the story that brought tears to my eyes. The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square is an amazing charming, adorable and entertaining story.
The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square is a wonderful story. I immediately loved Emma. When there's a problem she tries to solve it, she's capable, loving and strong. She's kindhearted and generous as well and she wants to keep everybody happy. Emma is also creative and comes up with the most fantastic plans. I admired her strength and determination to make sure everyone would have a great time at her wedding and nobody would be disappointed. It was fun to read about her plans, the love for her family, best friend and Daniel and the original solutions she comes up with.
Daniel is a sweetheart. He's posh and I especially loved the endearing way Lilly Bartlett describes his accent. Reading the dialogue kept putting a big smile on my face. He's a generous and gentle man and I liked reading about his love for Emma and how he's trying to make her happy. I absolutely loved his warm personality and could easily understand why Emma wants to marry him, which makes the story fabulously sparkling.
The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square is a terrific romantic story. There are also plenty of lovely tips and tricks when it comes to planning a wedding on an extremely tight budget. Lilly Bartlett managed to surprise me plenty of times with her inventiveness. I liked the setting and enjoyed reading about the cozy atmosphere of East London. Emma's friends and family truly love her and want to help in any way they can. I found that incredibly heartwarming. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see if Emma would succeed and loved the very special ending of the story that brought tears to my eyes. The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square is an amazing charming, adorable and entertaining story.
May 28, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author and I must say I love her writing style. I loved the humor with a touch of romance, light on the romance which I liked! I could picture everything from the fancy dinners with the future in laws to the quaint Carlton Square. Such a heartwarming story. I could totally relate to Emma and her ability to make things sparkle on a small budget. This is a wonderful story and I really enjoyed reading The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square.
April 8, 2017
4.5 rounded up.
Not something that would usually interest me to my slight wedding aversion, but started reading this due to the mystery author and the competition, but I'm so glad I did.
Absolutely lovely story, with wonderful characters and great humour.
Not something that would usually interest me to my slight wedding aversion, but started reading this due to the mystery author and the competition, but I'm so glad I did.
Absolutely lovely story, with wonderful characters and great humour.
April 17, 2017
I have read and reviewed 8 of Michele Gorman's novels, loved them all!! I was very surprised when I learned that she would be starting a brand new series using a pen name--Lilly Bartlett. Of course I wanted to read it.
This book was refreshing and funny and proves that ingenuity can overcome all obstacles. There are many as Emma-a girl from a working class family says yes to a marriage proposal from Daniel who is definitely from the upper class. Emma is frugal--Daniel is not and the ways Emma has to overcome Daniels (and his family's) propensity for spending--well-I sometimes wondered if the wedding would actually take place at all!
As the author warns at the very beginning of the book this is written as the characters would speak--colloquial. I generally was able to get the jist with no problem. I am American after all and I'm sure our friends across the pond have just as much trouble with our wording!!
All in all I LOVED this book and am looking forward to reading the rest of this series!!
The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square
This book was refreshing and funny and proves that ingenuity can overcome all obstacles. There are many as Emma-a girl from a working class family says yes to a marriage proposal from Daniel who is definitely from the upper class. Emma is frugal--Daniel is not and the ways Emma has to overcome Daniels (and his family's) propensity for spending--well-I sometimes wondered if the wedding would actually take place at all!
As the author warns at the very beginning of the book this is written as the characters would speak--colloquial. I generally was able to get the jist with no problem. I am American after all and I'm sure our friends across the pond have just as much trouble with our wording!!
All in all I LOVED this book and am looking forward to reading the rest of this series!!
The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square
June 22, 2017
Now – full disclosure here. I read this book by accident. I don’t mean that I didn’t want to read it. I wouldn’t have bought it if that was the case. What I mean is that I am on the blog tour for the next book in the series, The Second Chance Cafe in Carlton Square and I had meant to start tucking into that one but opened this up on my kindle in error. But you know what? I’m fluffing glad I did as not only did I get a great introduction to Emma and Daniel and the various crazy characters they share their lives with, but I got a darned good read too. I am so ready for book two now, I cannot wait.
We join Emma just at the point where Daniel is ready to propose. They have been dating for a while and, the crazy logistics of Emma’s living arrangements aside, everything has been going well. Emma is on the cusp of graduation and while the pair may not have much money what they do have is far more precious – each other.
Now in this day and age getting married should be easy right? Not less stressful, that pressure will never go away, but definitely easier. That is until you factor in a lack of funds and the fact that Bride and Groom come from two very different sides of a grand socio-economic divide with two very different ideas of what the perfect wedding looks like. Throw in an unexpected ‘gift’ for the betrothed and the scene is set for one heck of a pre-wedding caper. Whether Emma and Daniel are able to overcome differences and circumstance and pull off the perfect wedding… well you’ll have to read to find that out won’t you?
Now I really liked the character of Emma. She was down to earth and totally committed to her family and her community. She didn’t want to let anyone down, and that included her new in-laws to be who, coming from a background of absolute privilege, perhaps didn’t fully understand the constraints Emma faced. Daniel’s mother, Philippa, found everything about Emma’s lifestyle ‘quaint’ and ‘frightfully fun dahling’, which in any other circumstance may have appeared condescending and certainly led to a few raised eyebrows, but when put into context, actually really suited the novel. What Emma manages to pull together, with the help of a small amount of creativity and the full support of a wonderful community, is nothing short of a miracle and warms the cockles in a good old fashioned east-end style. There were times when I wanted her to just tell everyone to stop, but I can understand the reticence to totally upset your new family before the wedding. Plenty of time for that in the years that follow…
Now at times Daniel made me chuckle, he was just so frightfully posh yah, and times when I’d want to slap him for being so completely blind to the truth of their situation. That said he was utterly charming and totally in love with Emma and you know he would have done anything for her. His siter and friends, Seb and especially Cressida, were fab, as was Emma’s best friend Kelly. Kelly was also the Bridesmaid from hell at times, totally jealous of and threatened by the way in which Emma’s life was changing which almost derailed the hen night. But ultimately she is the perfect friend, the kind of person you could only hope you had in your life to watch your back.
Nothing in this book is plain sailing, from the most basic of wedding arrangements to life in general, with each of the Emma’s family suffering their own little struggles. From Uncle Barbara (yes that is right) with his strained relationship with his children due to his lifestyle choice; her Great Aunt Rose who is suffering lapses in awareness where she replicates her own version of The Great Escape; to Emma’s father, suffering from the crippling effects of MS, but they all have one thing in common. A great inner strength and an overwhelming love for each other which is really heart warming. I don’t mind admitting that there was one very tender moment between Emma and her father at the wedding which had me trying hard not to cry. Reading those passages on Father’s day too – well it just seemed quite fitting really.
All in all this was a brilliantly funny, heart warming and moving story showing the power of a community pulling together. If only we all had the kind of support that Emma and Daniel received. I can’t wait to get onto the next book now to see how their married life is progressing, especially as they received some news which was a total game changer in the first book.
If you like a good old rom-com full of family love and a rousing sense of community spirit then this is highly recommended.
We join Emma just at the point where Daniel is ready to propose. They have been dating for a while and, the crazy logistics of Emma’s living arrangements aside, everything has been going well. Emma is on the cusp of graduation and while the pair may not have much money what they do have is far more precious – each other.
Now in this day and age getting married should be easy right? Not less stressful, that pressure will never go away, but definitely easier. That is until you factor in a lack of funds and the fact that Bride and Groom come from two very different sides of a grand socio-economic divide with two very different ideas of what the perfect wedding looks like. Throw in an unexpected ‘gift’ for the betrothed and the scene is set for one heck of a pre-wedding caper. Whether Emma and Daniel are able to overcome differences and circumstance and pull off the perfect wedding… well you’ll have to read to find that out won’t you?
Now I really liked the character of Emma. She was down to earth and totally committed to her family and her community. She didn’t want to let anyone down, and that included her new in-laws to be who, coming from a background of absolute privilege, perhaps didn’t fully understand the constraints Emma faced. Daniel’s mother, Philippa, found everything about Emma’s lifestyle ‘quaint’ and ‘frightfully fun dahling’, which in any other circumstance may have appeared condescending and certainly led to a few raised eyebrows, but when put into context, actually really suited the novel. What Emma manages to pull together, with the help of a small amount of creativity and the full support of a wonderful community, is nothing short of a miracle and warms the cockles in a good old fashioned east-end style. There were times when I wanted her to just tell everyone to stop, but I can understand the reticence to totally upset your new family before the wedding. Plenty of time for that in the years that follow…
Now at times Daniel made me chuckle, he was just so frightfully posh yah, and times when I’d want to slap him for being so completely blind to the truth of their situation. That said he was utterly charming and totally in love with Emma and you know he would have done anything for her. His siter and friends, Seb and especially Cressida, were fab, as was Emma’s best friend Kelly. Kelly was also the Bridesmaid from hell at times, totally jealous of and threatened by the way in which Emma’s life was changing which almost derailed the hen night. But ultimately she is the perfect friend, the kind of person you could only hope you had in your life to watch your back.
Nothing in this book is plain sailing, from the most basic of wedding arrangements to life in general, with each of the Emma’s family suffering their own little struggles. From Uncle Barbara (yes that is right) with his strained relationship with his children due to his lifestyle choice; her Great Aunt Rose who is suffering lapses in awareness where she replicates her own version of The Great Escape; to Emma’s father, suffering from the crippling effects of MS, but they all have one thing in common. A great inner strength and an overwhelming love for each other which is really heart warming. I don’t mind admitting that there was one very tender moment between Emma and her father at the wedding which had me trying hard not to cry. Reading those passages on Father’s day too – well it just seemed quite fitting really.
All in all this was a brilliantly funny, heart warming and moving story showing the power of a community pulling together. If only we all had the kind of support that Emma and Daniel received. I can’t wait to get onto the next book now to see how their married life is progressing, especially as they received some news which was a total game changer in the first book.
If you like a good old rom-com full of family love and a rousing sense of community spirit then this is highly recommended.
June 24, 2017
Read full review mariesbookboutique.wordpress.com/2017...
What a bright, airy and very romantic book cover. I think the title really is effective the way it's cantered down the centre of the cover, and works well with the London skyline, marquee tent and a tree with blossom on! The couple suited and booted kissing gives it a very romantic feel. I just adore the fluttering butterfly's provides a delicate look. Lilly's name is placed at the bottom in the grass and stands out really well.
The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square by Lilly Bartlett is the first instalment I the Carlton Square series. When I read the blurb on this book I just new this was a book for me, and hearing so many good things, and boy I wasn't disappointed!!!!!
We meet two very different family's as they are brought together by the joining of Emma and Daniel. Emma's family is a working class from East London and Daniel's is upper class from West London. This in itself makes for a very intriguing read, but throw in a wedding on a budget, a cross dressing Uncle; wanting to be bridesmaid, Bride and Groom's best-friend's at locker-heads, a mother in law who think's a big show wedding there's sure to be a few drama's along the way.
Emma wants a low key wedding but her soon to be mother in law has other idea's and has to be rained in a bit, offering to pay for some of the wedding, Emma 's father a proud working class East ender refuse and financial help for his daughters wedding. Emma is juggling it all to try to give everyone, herself and Daniel a happy wedding. The whole community come's together to offer help or their skills to help Emma and Daniel's 'Big Little' wedding go to plan, undoubtedly there are a few mini issues which are delt with quickly and boy what a magical wedding it is!!!!! Their's also an added bounus of a surprise for both Emma and Daniel!?!?!?
The pace of this romantic and comical story is perfect and wonderfully written. I loved the way it was written as if the author is chatting to the reader; which I felt help make the story so engaging and enjoyable till the very end. I also want to mention about the author's description in The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square is truly wonderful, giving you a clear image of the story as it unfolds; which for me as a reader is important.
Me myself loved, loved. loved this first book for Lilly Bartlett and I Can't recommend this book enough to you lovely readers you won't be disappointed!!!
What a bright, airy and very romantic book cover. I think the title really is effective the way it's cantered down the centre of the cover, and works well with the London skyline, marquee tent and a tree with blossom on! The couple suited and booted kissing gives it a very romantic feel. I just adore the fluttering butterfly's provides a delicate look. Lilly's name is placed at the bottom in the grass and stands out really well.
The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square by Lilly Bartlett is the first instalment I the Carlton Square series. When I read the blurb on this book I just new this was a book for me, and hearing so many good things, and boy I wasn't disappointed!!!!!
We meet two very different family's as they are brought together by the joining of Emma and Daniel. Emma's family is a working class from East London and Daniel's is upper class from West London. This in itself makes for a very intriguing read, but throw in a wedding on a budget, a cross dressing Uncle; wanting to be bridesmaid, Bride and Groom's best-friend's at locker-heads, a mother in law who think's a big show wedding there's sure to be a few drama's along the way.
Emma wants a low key wedding but her soon to be mother in law has other idea's and has to be rained in a bit, offering to pay for some of the wedding, Emma 's father a proud working class East ender refuse and financial help for his daughters wedding. Emma is juggling it all to try to give everyone, herself and Daniel a happy wedding. The whole community come's together to offer help or their skills to help Emma and Daniel's 'Big Little' wedding go to plan, undoubtedly there are a few mini issues which are delt with quickly and boy what a magical wedding it is!!!!! Their's also an added bounus of a surprise for both Emma and Daniel!?!?!?
The pace of this romantic and comical story is perfect and wonderfully written. I loved the way it was written as if the author is chatting to the reader; which I felt help make the story so engaging and enjoyable till the very end. I also want to mention about the author's description in The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square is truly wonderful, giving you a clear image of the story as it unfolds; which for me as a reader is important.
Me myself loved, loved. loved this first book for Lilly Bartlett and I Can't recommend this book enough to you lovely readers you won't be disappointed!!!
April 11, 2017
Carmela found this one to be fun and sweet - it hit the right spots to entertain. Go to Scandalicious Book Reviews for her complete thoughts:
http://bit.ly/2ppeB9a
http://bit.ly/2ppeB9a
February 23, 2020
Awful read. What a waste of paper.
August 3, 2017
Emma is the happiest girl in the world. Her boyfriend Daniel has just asked her to marry him and has produced the biggest diamond ring she has ever seen.
Emma wants a low key wedding with her family around her. Nothing over the top - the town hall registry office followed by a reception at uncle Colin's pub. Daniel anxious to please Emma is happy to go along with her suggestions for the wedding.
Emma knows that Daniels family are comfortable but when she visits his family home for the first time she cannot believe how wealthy they are. Daniel had never let on and she cannot believe it.
As Daniel's mother conveys her ideas for the wedding to Emma she is panic stricken and cannot believe what she is hearing. This makes her all the more determined to have her low budget family wedding.........but can she pull it off ?
Emma wants a low key wedding with her family around her. Nothing over the top - the town hall registry office followed by a reception at uncle Colin's pub. Daniel anxious to please Emma is happy to go along with her suggestions for the wedding.
Emma knows that Daniels family are comfortable but when she visits his family home for the first time she cannot believe how wealthy they are. Daniel had never let on and she cannot believe it.
As Daniel's mother conveys her ideas for the wedding to Emma she is panic stricken and cannot believe what she is hearing. This makes her all the more determined to have her low budget family wedding.........but can she pull it off ?
October 29, 2017
This is a quick and fun read about a couple planning their wedding in London. They come from two different worlds, and the bride-to-be is trying to plan a wedding on the cheap, because her parents are too proud to let the groom's parents, who are very well off, contribute anything towards the cost of the wedding. How the bride manages to pull off a fun and not too expensive wedding is a good story. I liked pretty much all of the characters, including those from the groom's family who are doing their best to go along with the bride's need for independence in planning the wedding, even though they genuinely don't understand the budget constraints. It would have been easy to cast them as the villains of the piece, but this didn't happen. So yeah, a pleasant way to spend a few hours if you like a sweet love story with a happy ending.
June 28, 2018
What a wonderful book. Couldn't put it down. First book in the Carlton Square series.
It wasn't a slushy book, (which I hate,) but it was lovely & romantic. Cockney girl meets posh boy!
It has really funny moments.
Emma & Daniel don't have a lot of money to spend on their wedding, so Emma's trying to do it all on the cheap, but trying not to make it look like it.
Phillippa, Daniels' mother, keeps coming up with lots of ideas, but they're all too expensive.
Poor Daniel has the job of trying to rebuff her, at every turn.
Emma would except some of her help, but her parents are adamant that they want to pay for her wedding, when she knows they can't really afford it.
Brings back some wonderful memories of when I lived in that area myself, years ago.
It wasn't a slushy book, (which I hate,) but it was lovely & romantic. Cockney girl meets posh boy!
It has really funny moments.
Emma & Daniel don't have a lot of money to spend on their wedding, so Emma's trying to do it all on the cheap, but trying not to make it look like it.
Phillippa, Daniels' mother, keeps coming up with lots of ideas, but they're all too expensive.
Poor Daniel has the job of trying to rebuff her, at every turn.
Emma would except some of her help, but her parents are adamant that they want to pay for her wedding, when she knows they can't really afford it.
Brings back some wonderful memories of when I lived in that area myself, years ago.
August 20, 2017
This book is about an East end girl who gets engaged to her "posh" boyfriend. She doesn't really how posh he is until he presents with a huge diamond.
There are funny bits throughout the book as they organise their wedding - Emma is trying so hard to stick to her small budget so not to offend her parents as they don't have much money spare but want to help pay for some of the wedding but still trying to please the rich in laws who have expensive ideas.
Great family and community spirit make for a wonderful day for the couple. Characters are all likeable - some are larger than life.
I'd give it 3.5 stars and I will get around to reading the rest of the series at some point.
There are funny bits throughout the book as they organise their wedding - Emma is trying so hard to stick to her small budget so not to offend her parents as they don't have much money spare but want to help pay for some of the wedding but still trying to please the rich in laws who have expensive ideas.
Great family and community spirit make for a wonderful day for the couple. Characters are all likeable - some are larger than life.
I'd give it 3.5 stars and I will get around to reading the rest of the series at some point.
May 15, 2017
This is not a genre I usually read but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at what a good read it turned out to be.
For starters it is well-written and the characters all have depth.Although it was a fun, easy read, it dealt well with a number of important issues, apart from the obvious class difference between Emma and Daniel (which to me was no big deal): her Dad's MS, her aunt's wandering, her uncle's cross-dressing, friendship.
Could this be the start of a family saga? I hope so-this had me hooked!
For starters it is well-written and the characters all have depth.Although it was a fun, easy read, it dealt well with a number of important issues, apart from the obvious class difference between Emma and Daniel (which to me was no big deal): her Dad's MS, her aunt's wandering, her uncle's cross-dressing, friendship.
Could this be the start of a family saga? I hope so-this had me hooked!
June 26, 2017
I have been a fan of Michele Gorman for a while so when I found out that she had written some new books under a pen name I was very keen to read them. This is a highly enjoyable book of when East London meets West London in the form of a couple getting married. The potential mother-in-law has all manner of ideas for the upcoming wedding that would cost a small future. However the bride to be, Emma knows that her father doesn't want assistance to pay for the wedding so they have a rather tight budget to keep to.
February 19, 2020
This book is all that's been claimed above and more!
Ok, well, "hilarious" might be a bit of an over statement, but it is truly funny and I did laugh, ever so briefly, out loud and the characters ARE quirky and lovable. Plus, I love all things British; and it did, indeed, have a happy ending! I'm in a great mood and smiling (still) having just finished it... Can't wait to start book #2!
Ok, well, "hilarious" might be a bit of an over statement, but it is truly funny and I did laugh, ever so briefly, out loud and the characters ARE quirky and lovable. Plus, I love all things British; and it did, indeed, have a happy ending! I'm in a great mood and smiling (still) having just finished it... Can't wait to start book #2!
April 19, 2019
Predictable
I do not write reviews often however this time it was appropriate. The book did not seem to go anywhere. It was predictable from the start which made it boring. Emma seemed whiney and too nervous, when it ended I was glad to not bother with it anymore. I won't be reading anymore from this author.
I do not write reviews often however this time it was appropriate. The book did not seem to go anywhere. It was predictable from the start which made it boring. Emma seemed whiney and too nervous, when it ended I was glad to not bother with it anymore. I won't be reading anymore from this author.
March 23, 2020
I enjoyed the camaraderie between the friends and family.
What ruined me by the end of the book was the amount of times we were told it was to be as little money as possible spent. Accepting some help from the prospective new in-laws would have been the way forward to bridging the gap between the obvious differences.
What ruined me by the end of the book was the amount of times we were told it was to be as little money as possible spent. Accepting some help from the prospective new in-laws would have been the way forward to bridging the gap between the obvious differences.
July 28, 2020
Very easy read. Not much drama or surprise. A perfect happy ending. I was disappointed by how everyone got on, (except one minor friend fall out) everyone was do understanding and helpful. The boyfriend/husband was a bit of a wet lettuce agreeing to everything.
Very unrealistic but a nice easy Sunday afternoon read.
Very unrealistic but a nice easy Sunday afternoon read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2017
This was a real pleasure to read. Loved the humour throughout and what delightful characters, each one so different but with matching threads beneath the surface.
I have now pre ordered the next in this series.
I have now pre ordered the next in this series.
May 21, 2017
This is a charming story of a couple who come from very different backgrounds.
It follows the ups and downs as they try to plan a wedding on a budget, but the wealthier people are trying to order expensive items.
Very witty, funny and lovely to read.
It follows the ups and downs as they try to plan a wedding on a budget, but the wealthier people are trying to order expensive items.
Very witty, funny and lovely to read.
May 29, 2017
Cute book
This was a great start to this series. Though I did start to get annoyed with how much Emma kept comparing her an Daniel's family. It all came back around at the wedding and I cried reading that party. Can't wait to read more in this series.
This was a great start to this series. Though I did start to get annoyed with how much Emma kept comparing her an Daniel's family. It all came back around at the wedding and I cried reading that party. Can't wait to read more in this series.
June 20, 2017
What I like about this author's writing is her ability to entertain her readers and right from the start in The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square we are entertained by a cast of characters who melt right into your heart.
As Emma and Daniel are soon to discover, planning their wedding and trying to keep both sides of their, very different, families singing from the same hymn sheet is going to be tricky. And as anyone who has planned a wedding knows, the route to a perfect wedding day is nearly always littered with unexpected obstacles.
There is a lovely light touch to this romantic comedy which has all the right ingredients for a fun filled read. With her trademark warmth and wit, the author gets right into the heart of the story, from her colourful array of characters, through to the insightful way she weaves into the story, the notion, that it really isn't about the size of the wedding it's all about the love in your heart.
A lovely summer read.
As Emma and Daniel are soon to discover, planning their wedding and trying to keep both sides of their, very different, families singing from the same hymn sheet is going to be tricky. And as anyone who has planned a wedding knows, the route to a perfect wedding day is nearly always littered with unexpected obstacles.
There is a lovely light touch to this romantic comedy which has all the right ingredients for a fun filled read. With her trademark warmth and wit, the author gets right into the heart of the story, from her colourful array of characters, through to the insightful way she weaves into the story, the notion, that it really isn't about the size of the wedding it's all about the love in your heart.
A lovely summer read.
July 30, 2017
I enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series. The characters are well thought out and the plot somehow manages to bring all manner of people together. I'd recommend this fabulously funny holiday read!
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