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The Wedding War
Save the date for this funny and poignant novel of family, friendship, letting go, and moving on by the award-winning author of Room to Breathe.
Once upon a time, Melanie Layton and Tennyson O’Rourke were inseparable—but their friends-4ever promises were shattered when an explosive secret was revealed at Mel’s wedding, a secret that destroyed her family. The two haven’t spoken for the past twenty some odd years, and they’d be happy if they never crossed paths again.
But now Mel’s daughter and Teeny’s son have fallen in love—and announced their engagement.
Which means the two women must tolerate one another and play nice long enough to plan their children’s dream wedding. From the beginning, they clash. Melanie imagines a classy, elegant event, in keeping with tradition. Teeny’s vision is a bit more extravagant, and thanks to her habit of marrying well, she’s got the cash to plan the flashiest wedding of the season.
Complicating matters are the men in their lives: Tennyson is falling for the wrong guy, and Melanie is trying to hold on to a flailing marriage. Amid the flurry of cake tastings, dress fittings, seating charts, and bridal showers, Mel and Teeny confront their past mistakes—with twenty years of pent-up drama.
When the day of the wedding finally arrives, their friendship might just be something old and something new.
Once upon a time, Melanie Layton and Tennyson O’Rourke were inseparable—but their friends-4ever promises were shattered when an explosive secret was revealed at Mel’s wedding, a secret that destroyed her family. The two haven’t spoken for the past twenty some odd years, and they’d be happy if they never crossed paths again.
But now Mel’s daughter and Teeny’s son have fallen in love—and announced their engagement.
Which means the two women must tolerate one another and play nice long enough to plan their children’s dream wedding. From the beginning, they clash. Melanie imagines a classy, elegant event, in keeping with tradition. Teeny’s vision is a bit more extravagant, and thanks to her habit of marrying well, she’s got the cash to plan the flashiest wedding of the season.
Complicating matters are the men in their lives: Tennyson is falling for the wrong guy, and Melanie is trying to hold on to a flailing marriage. Amid the flurry of cake tastings, dress fittings, seating charts, and bridal showers, Mel and Teeny confront their past mistakes—with twenty years of pent-up drama.
When the day of the wedding finally arrives, their friendship might just be something old and something new.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2020
1600 people are currently reading
6001 people want to read
About the author
Liz Talley
69 books930 followersI unashamedly read, write and love romance books. I adore the weight of a book in hand and the anticipation of a happy ending. I love the journey, the word play and the magic of story. Nothing's better than reading a good book...except writing one. You can learn more about me and my award-winning romances at http://www.liztalleybooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews
May 7, 2020
This is one is on me. I should stop reading book based on the cover. When I looked at the illustrated cover, I thought it would be some fun rom-com, but it was anything but fun. This book was next level depressing.
It had:
– extremely unlikable characters
– basically two women fighting over a guy who's not even worth it and destroying their friendship on the way
– a broken marriage
– lots of family drama
– bad parenting
– suicide and other depressing stuff
With every page, I wanted to become an alcoholic a little bit more. Combine all things negative and you get this.
The last 20% do get better when the two women who hated each other for so long finally talk about everything and reconcile, but by that point I was already miserable so I couldn't care less.
It had:
– extremely unlikable characters
– basically two women fighting over a guy who's not even worth it and destroying their friendship on the way
– a broken marriage
– lots of family drama
– bad parenting
– suicide and other depressing stuff
With every page, I wanted to become an alcoholic a little bit more. Combine all things negative and you get this.
The last 20% do get better when the two women who hated each other for so long finally talk about everything and reconcile, but by that point I was already miserable so I couldn't care less.
January 31, 2020
I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I requested this book from NetGalley. The synopsis sounded like it would be a fun romcom to read. little did i know that it was going to be full of so much internalized misogyny….These women are vicious, mean and sarcastic with so much vitriol coming out of their mouths that they are incapable of holding a conversation that doesn't put down or demean other women. I personally do not know any women like this and refuse to read such garbage again.
To top it off, here is how the author describes one of the main characters, Melanie: “She had darker skin because her mother was Japanese and her father had Indian in him. Not the kind from a different country, but the kind that lived here once upon a time in Louisiana” and later on the author describes MC’s daughter having “the exotic Asian eyes, high cheekbones and smooth, creamy skin.” Appalling and racist writing that left me in shock. This is 2020 and this kind of writing still goes unedited and is not challenged is disconcerting.
To top it off, here is how the author describes one of the main characters, Melanie: “She had darker skin because her mother was Japanese and her father had Indian in him. Not the kind from a different country, but the kind that lived here once upon a time in Louisiana” and later on the author describes MC’s daughter having “the exotic Asian eyes, high cheekbones and smooth, creamy skin.” Appalling and racist writing that left me in shock. This is 2020 and this kind of writing still goes unedited and is not challenged is disconcerting.
April 8, 2020
TW: Anorexia, bulimia, suicide
I was sent an Earc of this book in an exchange for an honest review.
What I expected from this book was a funny, light drama filled story about 2 women who used to be best friends. Instead it was petty, immature, vicious, and manipulative with no likable characters and took extremely serious topics and although there was some attempt to make a serious plot they were often used for the comedy. From the beginning there was some racist descriptions of the main characters appearances and their heritages as well as generalizations for the way one of the women acted and using her ethnicity as an excuse.
I was sent an Earc of this book in an exchange for an honest review.
What I expected from this book was a funny, light drama filled story about 2 women who used to be best friends. Instead it was petty, immature, vicious, and manipulative with no likable characters and took extremely serious topics and although there was some attempt to make a serious plot they were often used for the comedy. From the beginning there was some racist descriptions of the main characters appearances and their heritages as well as generalizations for the way one of the women acted and using her ethnicity as an excuse.
March 22, 2023
Opposites attract. And sometimes, opposites repel because they have a complicated past and too many issues.
The first thing that made me pick this one up was it's cover. The premise was solid as well - two former best friends, now sworn enemies who have to put aside their differences when their respective children decide to get married to each other.
This one leans heavily towards the women's fiction direction, as opposed to what one might think it actually is. There is very little humor, a lot more tears and drama (like, throwing punches, attempting to claw each others' eyes out, and throwing cake at each other kind of drama).
Melanie and Tennyson are polar opposites in every way, to the point where their lives have diverged so much from each other that they find it tough to empathize with the other. Of course, their children are a lot more sensible, mature, and down-to-earth than either of them, and serve as the much needed respite from their mothers' frequent squabbles.
None of the other characters, except maybe the hot cop Tennyson has her eyes on, are likable in any way. There is a husband on the precipice of cheating, his colleague who is ready to sink her (metaphorical) claws into him, the grand mother who is repressive and argumentative and other such colorful people you cannot help but roll your eyes at. There is also a considerable amount of name calling - most of it being used way more than needed.
I didn't find anything particularly wrong with this one, but it wasn't as entertaining as the premise led me to believe. I'll hold the judgement till I have read other works by Liz Talley.
The first thing that made me pick this one up was it's cover. The premise was solid as well - two former best friends, now sworn enemies who have to put aside their differences when their respective children decide to get married to each other.
This one leans heavily towards the women's fiction direction, as opposed to what one might think it actually is. There is very little humor, a lot more tears and drama (like, throwing punches, attempting to claw each others' eyes out, and throwing cake at each other kind of drama).
Melanie and Tennyson are polar opposites in every way, to the point where their lives have diverged so much from each other that they find it tough to empathize with the other. Of course, their children are a lot more sensible, mature, and down-to-earth than either of them, and serve as the much needed respite from their mothers' frequent squabbles.
None of the other characters, except maybe the hot cop Tennyson has her eyes on, are likable in any way. There is a husband on the precipice of cheating, his colleague who is ready to sink her (metaphorical) claws into him, the grand mother who is repressive and argumentative and other such colorful people you cannot help but roll your eyes at. There is also a considerable amount of name calling - most of it being used way more than needed.
I didn't find anything particularly wrong with this one, but it wasn't as entertaining as the premise led me to believe. I'll hold the judgement till I have read other works by Liz Talley.
February 13, 2020
This book is more of a woman fiction than contemporary romance that focuses on female friendship and forgiveness. Two childhood friends, Melanie and Tennyson had a falling out when they were in their early 20's. Not just did Melanie married Tennyson's ex-boyfriend Kit, but Tennyson revealed some family secrets to hurt Melanie at her wedding. Since then they haven't spoken. Now some twenty years later they become family, as their kids are getting married. Old wounds resurface while they are planning the wedding. What really went down and how will that affect their kids? Can they forgive each other and move on?
There is also the fact that Melanie is fighting for her marriage. While Tennyson is starting to date after her third divorce.
It is a lot of subjects that this book has going on.
I loved the topic of friendship between these two women and them having to work through it for the sake of their children. I am someone who values female friendship a lot. Having a close friend is priceless.
This is a book that definitely makes a reader reflect on their own life and how many do we cover up our emotions, not putting ourselves as a priority or use the money for appearances.
I think that the author did a good job of writing both of them and that the reader wouldn't be swayed on either side. There is also some topics that may be triggering for some; suicide, grief, death of the loved one.
Overall, it is an okay read.
There were some issues that prevent me from giving it a perfect score.
Thank NetGalley & publisher for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
3,5 stars
There is also the fact that Melanie is fighting for her marriage. While Tennyson is starting to date after her third divorce.
It is a lot of subjects that this book has going on.
I loved the topic of friendship between these two women and them having to work through it for the sake of their children. I am someone who values female friendship a lot. Having a close friend is priceless.
This is a book that definitely makes a reader reflect on their own life and how many do we cover up our emotions, not putting ourselves as a priority or use the money for appearances.
I think that the author did a good job of writing both of them and that the reader wouldn't be swayed on either side. There is also some topics that may be triggering for some; suicide, grief, death of the loved one.
Overall, it is an okay read.
There were some issues that prevent me from giving it a perfect score.
Thank NetGalley & publisher for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
3,5 stars
January 25, 2020
This is a no from me. I came into this book thinking that I was going to read a book about friendship and a few shenanigans. What I got were microaggressions against minorities, gross generalizations that are harmful and not funny at all, and weird outdated point of views. I found myself getting angrier and angrier while trying to read this book but in the name of self care, I dropped the book at around 43%. Not sure if the book gets better but I am done with reading narrow minded books masquerading as a romance book.
January 25, 2020
With this title, cover, and premise, I went in with high expectations for a fun romp, and Liz Talley delivered. Set in Louisiana (home of the author), it is full of Southern charms. As a teen from the 80s, I also appreciated Teeny's and Melly's childhood references and related to some of their adult struggles--moreso to Melly's (middle-aged mother and soon-to-be empty-nester who's spent most of her life making other people happy). The author's signature humor shines, and while the over-the-top scenes you might expect (think about a cake-tasting gone awry) are fun, there is a lot of heartbreak lurking beneath the veneer these two women don to hide the truth from others and themselves. Each woman does horrible things to the other, as well as tender things, too. While I can admit I might not be willing to forgive Teeny for what she did (I've given this thought, and I just don't know), the author does a good job of convincing us that Melly has it in her. The fate of Melly's marriage ends as an open-question, but that seemed appropriate. I really enjoyed this story of old BFFs-turned-enemies being forced to reckon with their past as they face becoming in-laws, and think you will too.
February 18, 2020
Unfortunately, I couldn't continue this book .....
After finishing 50 pages, I couldn't connect with the story nor characters ...
But the writing style was good.
After finishing 50 pages, I couldn't connect with the story nor characters ...
But the writing style was good.
January 8, 2020
Some people tell their secrets to their best friend and the secrets are locked safe…… until that bond of friendship is broken, then the lock holding the secrets is broken also.
Two best friends Tennyson and Melanie held a secret that could destroy a life. They shared an attraction to the same new boy at school. The aggressive one got the guy and the other loved him from a distance. The guy, Kit, is very attractive, smart and soaks in all the attention he gets and obviously think he deserves.
The friendship is broken and years later, as fate would laugh as those that plan their future, the children of these two former best friends, find each other, fall in love and want to get married. This leads to Tennyson and Melanie having to help plan a wedding and not start a war!
Many other themes are running throughout the book besides friendship and they blend to form a wonderful story! I had so many emotions while reading. I really disliked Tennyson, at first. That shows great development by the author, that I felt so strongly about a character in a few chapters. I feel like I know the characters in this book. The scenes are expertly described. The dialogue flows effortlessly. The pages flew by as I was so immersed in reading. Several parts had me laughing and a few crying as well.
I totally enjoyed this book and recommend it highly. Liz Tally has added another fantastic book to her collection! I want to thank NetGalley and the author, Liz Talley, for allowing me the pleasure of reading this amazing book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own, not influenced by receiving the advance reader copy.
Two best friends Tennyson and Melanie held a secret that could destroy a life. They shared an attraction to the same new boy at school. The aggressive one got the guy and the other loved him from a distance. The guy, Kit, is very attractive, smart and soaks in all the attention he gets and obviously think he deserves.
The friendship is broken and years later, as fate would laugh as those that plan their future, the children of these two former best friends, find each other, fall in love and want to get married. This leads to Tennyson and Melanie having to help plan a wedding and not start a war!
Many other themes are running throughout the book besides friendship and they blend to form a wonderful story! I had so many emotions while reading. I really disliked Tennyson, at first. That shows great development by the author, that I felt so strongly about a character in a few chapters. I feel like I know the characters in this book. The scenes are expertly described. The dialogue flows effortlessly. The pages flew by as I was so immersed in reading. Several parts had me laughing and a few crying as well.
I totally enjoyed this book and recommend it highly. Liz Tally has added another fantastic book to her collection! I want to thank NetGalley and the author, Liz Talley, for allowing me the pleasure of reading this amazing book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own, not influenced by receiving the advance reader copy.
February 24, 2020
Melanie and Tennyson were best friends forever but one marriage changed everything. One secret that was revealed at Mel's wedding shattered their friendship and broke Mel's family forever.
After 20 years Mel's daughter and Tenny's son have fallen in love and now they want to get married. But will they tolerate each other for their children sake or the past is too troublesome to forget? Will one marriage rekindle their friendship?
Review-
This book is a perfect combination of humor and emotions. It is not only about friendship but also about love, marriage, infidelity, regrets, heartbreak, insecurity, cake war, club fights and ofcourse some over the top motherhood drama.
The book captures the infidelity point in a perfect sense. It is not just about cheating but also the will to cheat that matters. I won't say more on this because then I will be giving spoilers but this point is just bang on in today's generation marriage.
Author could have easily included a ton of characters and make it a chaotic humor but surprisingly she didn't do that. And I am really glad for that because then it just focuses on the main characters and does not include too many subplots too.
This book definitely tickles your funny bones and at the same time represents a lot about today's love and marriage concept. I became a huge fan of the author's writing because she explains even the most complicated emotions in a very easy manner.
I like the plot, the writing, characters and it is so emotionally connected and relateable to current relationship scenario. This book will definitely stay with you for a long time.
After 20 years Mel's daughter and Tenny's son have fallen in love and now they want to get married. But will they tolerate each other for their children sake or the past is too troublesome to forget? Will one marriage rekindle their friendship?
Review-
This book is a perfect combination of humor and emotions. It is not only about friendship but also about love, marriage, infidelity, regrets, heartbreak, insecurity, cake war, club fights and ofcourse some over the top motherhood drama.
The book captures the infidelity point in a perfect sense. It is not just about cheating but also the will to cheat that matters. I won't say more on this because then I will be giving spoilers but this point is just bang on in today's generation marriage.
Author could have easily included a ton of characters and make it a chaotic humor but surprisingly she didn't do that. And I am really glad for that because then it just focuses on the main characters and does not include too many subplots too.
This book definitely tickles your funny bones and at the same time represents a lot about today's love and marriage concept. I became a huge fan of the author's writing because she explains even the most complicated emotions in a very easy manner.
I like the plot, the writing, characters and it is so emotionally connected and relateable to current relationship scenario. This book will definitely stay with you for a long time.
February 7, 2020
A funny and poignant tribute to the enduring strength of women’s friendship. Liz Talley’s characters are flawed and sympathetic, her writing sharp and insightful. Mel and Teeny's behavior is by turns touching and terrible, and their journey toward understanding and redemption is really well done.
December 31, 2022
I think when/how/why we read a book matters greatly, and my when/how/why for this book really played a role in my enjoyment. This is not my typical fare, but I do like a light, slightly trashy read for travel, and this fit the bill precisely on an international flight. The set up is absolutely outlandish - two former BFFs now mortal enemies must come together to plan their children's wedding. There are lots of silly misunderstandings, a rather drawn out 'mystery', and seriously over-the-top behavior. But there was something refreshing and enjoyable about seeing two fairly complex over 40 females take center stage. Overall, a decently goofy romp to get lost in for a few hours.
June 2, 2021
My Rating: 5 stars
Genre Women’s Fiction
Review Snapshot : The Wedding War was an unexpected surprise for me! I wasn’t sure if I would love a book about two (nearly) middle aged women who despise each other help their children plan a wedding (while also fighting each other at every chance they got) but this book was so much more than that! I ended up LOVING it!
︙︙︙︙︙︙︙︙︙
The Wedding War is NOT a romance novel. I think readers should be warned of this before going in because if your expecting romance you certainly won’t get that. Thankfully, I love a good women’s fiction novel. Haven’t read one in a long time but after reading this one I remember why I loved the genre in the first place. Anyway, this book is purely women’s fiction. It’s about best friends turned enemies and how their relationship and fallout played a role in what they became in their future. Talley subtly makes this clear throughout the novel and readers are able to see just why their lives turned out the way they did (and really what got them there). I enjoyed this one immensely. I went outside today to read a few chapters and just got lost; I actually finished most of the book in one sitting! It’s a little tough to read at some points (these women can be vicious) but it makes sense considering their past. I would have to say because of this the book felt very realistic. Sure, there were a few clichés that can get on one’s nerves but then again, a work of fiction such as this is bound to have them, so I looked past them. I’m so glad I read it!
If you’re looking for a raw and realistic read that truly touches the aspect of friendship, then this is the book for you. I loved watching Teeny and Melly slowly overcome their past issues and seeing that friendship CAN survive even the toughest things.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre Women’s Fiction
Review Snapshot : The Wedding War was an unexpected surprise for me! I wasn’t sure if I would love a book about two (nearly) middle aged women who despise each other help their children plan a wedding (while also fighting each other at every chance they got) but this book was so much more than that! I ended up LOVING it!
︙︙︙︙︙︙︙︙︙
The Wedding War is NOT a romance novel. I think readers should be warned of this before going in because if your expecting romance you certainly won’t get that. Thankfully, I love a good women’s fiction novel. Haven’t read one in a long time but after reading this one I remember why I loved the genre in the first place. Anyway, this book is purely women’s fiction. It’s about best friends turned enemies and how their relationship and fallout played a role in what they became in their future. Talley subtly makes this clear throughout the novel and readers are able to see just why their lives turned out the way they did (and really what got them there). I enjoyed this one immensely. I went outside today to read a few chapters and just got lost; I actually finished most of the book in one sitting! It’s a little tough to read at some points (these women can be vicious) but it makes sense considering their past. I would have to say because of this the book felt very realistic. Sure, there were a few clichés that can get on one’s nerves but then again, a work of fiction such as this is bound to have them, so I looked past them. I’m so glad I read it!
If you’re looking for a raw and realistic read that truly touches the aspect of friendship, then this is the book for you. I loved watching Teeny and Melly slowly overcome their past issues and seeing that friendship CAN survive even the toughest things.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 14, 2020
*I received a copy of The Wedding War from Montlake Romance via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
What a war it was! While reading this i laughed and gasped, because Melanie and Tennyson were intense. It’s a book that deals with love, hate, insecurities and drama. I loved that the main characters were always the focus point of this book.
The struggles that both characters deals with are relevant in many ways. Without giving away spoilers, i like to say that The Wedding War is a book about Bff’s that turned into enemies. While losing each other they also lose a part of themselves. The wedding brings them together and helps them deal with their personal struggles. A must read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-C
What a war it was! While reading this i laughed and gasped, because Melanie and Tennyson were intense. It’s a book that deals with love, hate, insecurities and drama. I loved that the main characters were always the focus point of this book.
The struggles that both characters deals with are relevant in many ways. Without giving away spoilers, i like to say that The Wedding War is a book about Bff’s that turned into enemies. While losing each other they also lose a part of themselves. The wedding brings them together and helps them deal with their personal struggles. A must read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-C
June 25, 2020
I remember already posting a review for this one, but it seems it got deleted.
In the beginning, I thought this is a love story. But it's even better: Its a story about an unbreakable friendship. This book is about love and luck, trust and hate, and all the shade in between. In the beginning, I disliked both of the main characters - but in the end, I understood them and liked them a lot better.
I can't remember anymore what I wrote in my first review - but this book reminded me a lot of a wedding movie I watched some years ago where the mother of the groom was a monster - and the bride always imagined how to kill her. That's exactly what this book is like!
In the beginning, it got a bit too long and I didn't understand the characters very much - but in the end, I laughed and cried all the same.
In the beginning, I thought this is a love story. But it's even better: Its a story about an unbreakable friendship. This book is about love and luck, trust and hate, and all the shade in between. In the beginning, I disliked both of the main characters - but in the end, I understood them and liked them a lot better.
I can't remember anymore what I wrote in my first review - but this book reminded me a lot of a wedding movie I watched some years ago where the mother of the groom was a monster - and the bride always imagined how to kill her. That's exactly what this book is like!
In the beginning, it got a bit too long and I didn't understand the characters very much - but in the end, I laughed and cried all the same.
February 17, 2020
Judging from the synopsis, I was expecting a fun and witty romantic comedy. What I got was an angsty, over the top book with unlikable characters. The book started off strong but lost me around the halfway point. It’s very heavily worded and the dialogue is just bad. This could use a strong editing as many of the descriptions are over the top and eye roll worthy. Thank you to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
March 5, 2020
This book is about 2 women who were best friends growing up but one of their actions had lasting consequences and broke their friendship. Years later they are brought back together to plan a wedding. Can they get past what happened in the past and current life's struggles to work together? This book was funny at times and sad at times. I really enjoyed this book as I do all of Liz Talley's books.
March 14, 2020
*I received a copy of The Wedding War from Montlake Romance via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
What a war it was! While reading this i laughed and gasped, because Melanie and Tennyson were intense. It’s a book that deals with love, hate, insecurities and drama. I loved that the main characters were always the focus point of this book.
The struggles that both characters deals with are relevant in many ways. Without giving away spoilers, i like to say that The Wedding War is a book about Bff’s that turned into enemies. While losing each other they also lose a part of themselves. The wedding brings them together and helps them deal with their personal struggles. A must read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-C
What a war it was! While reading this i laughed and gasped, because Melanie and Tennyson were intense. It’s a book that deals with love, hate, insecurities and drama. I loved that the main characters were always the focus point of this book.
The struggles that both characters deals with are relevant in many ways. Without giving away spoilers, i like to say that The Wedding War is a book about Bff’s that turned into enemies. While losing each other they also lose a part of themselves. The wedding brings them together and helps them deal with their personal struggles. A must read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-C
May 4, 2020
Trigger Warnings: Anorexia, bulimia, suicide
got this ARC from netgalley for an honest review
SO.. THIS BOOK?!
WHAT THE HELL WAS THIS BOOK??
I expected a funny romance family book where we get to know the characters and why they hate each and all of that, but NOT what I got...
We didn't hear one of the two women talking or thinking without hearing some awful words about another woman.. they always thought the WORSE of the women around them..
they fought for YEARS and the main reason was a MAN.. and the solution the author gave?.. he and his wife(one of the mc) separate?... yes it is a solution but not hear.. getting him out of the picture doesn't solve everything you two did and said to each other..
they kept calling other women "sl*ts, snakes, wh*res" and every other disgusting word.. and it made me angrier that it was like it is OKAY to do that and it was written as if every women thinks like that
i can't even recall the names but the girl's mom kept trashing her husband's assistant and insinuating that they are in a relationship, and that he will cheat whenever he gets the chance, and that really GAVE ME A HEADACHE UGH..
one of the characters really said "NON GIRLY SOAP" lol
what?.... i have no words...
handling mental illness was not GOOD in this book... the main character loved her sister but also didn't stop herself from saying "SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN HERE AND SHOWED HER LOVE TO ME AND MY DAUGHTER..." >not the actual words but similar...
she is suffering and she didn't get the right treatment.. no one CAN BLAME HER FOR SAYING SHE WANTS TO STAY HOME?!!!!!
and having mental illness or any illness in general doesn't mean THE PERSON LOVES YOU LESS! they just need time to deal with their own life, which they HAVE YOU KNOW??
this book said some questionable stuff and racist stuff, for example: "She had darker skin because her mother was Japanese and her father had Indian in him. Not the kind from a different country, but the kind that lived here once upon a time in Louisiana”
what?.... and then she also said "This was likely the longest conversation she’d had with her son in two months, and she had to go all Japanese mother on him."
this book gave me headaches.. i thought i will love having two ex best friends fight in a non harmful way and find their way back, NOT two women choking each other and saying haha sorry the next day :/
i will stop here or i'll really keep talking for days...
got this ARC from netgalley for an honest review
SO.. THIS BOOK?!
WHAT THE HELL WAS THIS BOOK??
I expected a funny romance family book where we get to know the characters and why they hate each and all of that, but NOT what I got...
We didn't hear one of the two women talking or thinking without hearing some awful words about another woman.. they always thought the WORSE of the women around them..
they fought for YEARS and the main reason was a MAN.. and the solution the author gave?.. he and his wife(one of the mc) separate?... yes it is a solution but not hear.. getting him out of the picture doesn't solve everything you two did and said to each other..
they kept calling other women "sl*ts, snakes, wh*res" and every other disgusting word.. and it made me angrier that it was like it is OKAY to do that and it was written as if every women thinks like that
i can't even recall the names but the girl's mom kept trashing her husband's assistant and insinuating that they are in a relationship, and that he will cheat whenever he gets the chance, and that really GAVE ME A HEADACHE UGH..
one of the characters really said "NON GIRLY SOAP" lol
what?.... i have no words...
handling mental illness was not GOOD in this book... the main character loved her sister but also didn't stop herself from saying "SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN HERE AND SHOWED HER LOVE TO ME AND MY DAUGHTER..." >not the actual words but similar...
she is suffering and she didn't get the right treatment.. no one CAN BLAME HER FOR SAYING SHE WANTS TO STAY HOME?!!!!!
and having mental illness or any illness in general doesn't mean THE PERSON LOVES YOU LESS! they just need time to deal with their own life, which they HAVE YOU KNOW??
this book said some questionable stuff and racist stuff, for example: "She had darker skin because her mother was Japanese and her father had Indian in him. Not the kind from a different country, but the kind that lived here once upon a time in Louisiana”
what?.... and then she also said "This was likely the longest conversation she’d had with her son in two months, and she had to go all Japanese mother on him."
this book gave me headaches.. i thought i will love having two ex best friends fight in a non harmful way and find their way back, NOT two women choking each other and saying haha sorry the next day :/
i will stop here or i'll really keep talking for days...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The cover of this book was the reason I requested it, before I read the synopsis. While it did intrigue me a bit, I felt it was definitely a book about friendship and less about romance.
Tennyson and Melanie are best friends forever, until a deeply hidden secret is revealed at an unfortunate time, ripping apart the friendship for good. But what happens when Tennyson's son and Melanie's daughter fall in love, get engaged and need to plan a wedding in only a few months? The two women will need to set their differences apart for their children, but how can then when there's so much unsettled bad blood between them. When the realities of life start hitting the women at all the wrong times, they will only have each other to turn to, but will that be enough to fix the broken friendship?
I absolutely detested so many characters in this book. Melanie was one of the worst characters I think I've ever read, Kit was almost unbearable, and the kids were both a little annoying. Tennyson and her hot cop probably saved this for me, even though they both had annoying qualities themselves. I did enjoy the basic storyline of the long ruined friendship having to overcome obstacles and daily life, so it had potential, which is why I gave it the 3 star rating I did. I realistically would have rated it 2.5 stars if I could have. What irked me the most about this overall book was how repetitive certain sayings and actions were, to the point I was very obviously noticing the overuse of them, along with the strange and out of date point of views/stereotypes that seemed to be portrayed. It felt like a jumbled mess of everything that could happen, happening all at once. There were just too many ideas and storylines happening to be able to focus on what was going on. After writing this review, I feel like I should only give this book 2 stars, but maybe others will enjoy this more than I did.
Tennyson and Melanie are best friends forever, until a deeply hidden secret is revealed at an unfortunate time, ripping apart the friendship for good. But what happens when Tennyson's son and Melanie's daughter fall in love, get engaged and need to plan a wedding in only a few months? The two women will need to set their differences apart for their children, but how can then when there's so much unsettled bad blood between them. When the realities of life start hitting the women at all the wrong times, they will only have each other to turn to, but will that be enough to fix the broken friendship?
I absolutely detested so many characters in this book. Melanie was one of the worst characters I think I've ever read, Kit was almost unbearable, and the kids were both a little annoying. Tennyson and her hot cop probably saved this for me, even though they both had annoying qualities themselves. I did enjoy the basic storyline of the long ruined friendship having to overcome obstacles and daily life, so it had potential, which is why I gave it the 3 star rating I did. I realistically would have rated it 2.5 stars if I could have. What irked me the most about this overall book was how repetitive certain sayings and actions were, to the point I was very obviously noticing the overuse of them, along with the strange and out of date point of views/stereotypes that seemed to be portrayed. It felt like a jumbled mess of everything that could happen, happening all at once. There were just too many ideas and storylines happening to be able to focus on what was going on. After writing this review, I feel like I should only give this book 2 stars, but maybe others will enjoy this more than I did.
August 21, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Southern women behaving badly. Or are they? Maybe they're just fighting against all of those constraints that people like Melly's mother want to put on them. Either way, this story of best friends turned nemeses made me laugh and cry. It's like Dynasty meets Steel Magnolias with just a pinch of Father of the Bride.
I found myself rooting for both main characters, Teeny and Melly, and had to read the last few pages through a haze of happy tears. I was pretty much rooting for everyone. Except Kit and Anne. They can both go take a very long walk off a very short pier.
I found myself rooting for both main characters, Teeny and Melly, and had to read the last few pages through a haze of happy tears. I was pretty much rooting for everyone. Except Kit and Anne. They can both go take a very long walk off a very short pier.
April 28, 2020
The Wedding War was just what I needed to get over an illness and lockdown blues.
Teeny and Mellie are estranged BFFs who have to get their act together for their kids' wedding! This Momzillas-of-the-bride theme is exactly as fun as it sounds.
Teeny and Mellie are estranged BFFs who have to get their act together for their kids' wedding! This Momzillas-of-the-bride theme is exactly as fun as it sounds.
July 9, 2020
4 1/2 STARS!
An emotionally charged story of love, laughter and heart! With her latest release Liz Talley delivers an array of characters that grab onto a reader's soul quickly and refuse to let go as we accompany them on a journey of healing and enlightenment. I was hooked fairly quickly and rarely put it down as page after page brought cringe worthy laugh out loud moments and heartwarming character richness. I loved their story through every cheesy, heartfelt memory! I wanted a little more closure on Melanie at the end, but overall really enjoyed the read!
Tennyson O'Rourke was a hilariously over the top character and you couldn't help but love every minute of her. She doesn't apologize for speaking her mind in life, and she's had a lot of living along the way to show for it. She's returned home to Louisiana just as her son announces his engagement ... to her former childhood best friend's daughter!
Melanie Layton is really easy to like even thought she's a little uptight. She's underappreciated by all and really tugs at our hearts as the story progresses and we learn more about her. She can't believe the woman who betrayed her trust and had a hand in ruining her idyllic family life is going to be her daughter's mother-in-law. Talk about awkward!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romantic comedy filled with down home family realness. The characters have some crazy moments and it's filled with so much heart you'll be overflowing by the end.
An emotionally charged story of love, laughter and heart! With her latest release Liz Talley delivers an array of characters that grab onto a reader's soul quickly and refuse to let go as we accompany them on a journey of healing and enlightenment. I was hooked fairly quickly and rarely put it down as page after page brought cringe worthy laugh out loud moments and heartwarming character richness. I loved their story through every cheesy, heartfelt memory! I wanted a little more closure on Melanie at the end, but overall really enjoyed the read!
Tennyson O'Rourke was a hilariously over the top character and you couldn't help but love every minute of her. She doesn't apologize for speaking her mind in life, and she's had a lot of living along the way to show for it. She's returned home to Louisiana just as her son announces his engagement ... to her former childhood best friend's daughter!
Melanie Layton is really easy to like even thought she's a little uptight. She's underappreciated by all and really tugs at our hearts as the story progresses and we learn more about her. She can't believe the woman who betrayed her trust and had a hand in ruining her idyllic family life is going to be her daughter's mother-in-law. Talk about awkward!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romantic comedy filled with down home family realness. The characters have some crazy moments and it's filled with so much heart you'll be overflowing by the end.
September 7, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
As no surprise to anyone, I didn’t read the synopsis going into this so I thought I was going into a book similar to the movie Bride Wars but I was pleasantly to surprised that I was a bit off base. This was a story of second-chance friendship, finding yourself as you get older, familial relationships, and, shocking bonus, there was a wedding and a little bit of revenge. 😂
I really loved Tennyson and Melanie. Their past and present was so enjoyable to read about but the ending? Perfection. 🤌 I also really enjoyed all the secondary characters - the hot cop and Tennyson and Melanie’s kids; they were equally enjoyable to read about, but let me take this second to say this: Kit was the worst and the real villain or this story. Not sorry. 😒
This was a super quick and easy read and I definitely recommend it! There are a couple possible triggers (mentions of ED and suicide, and there is a death) - they were all fairly minor to the plot but still, tread lightly if those are hurtful for you.
As no surprise to anyone, I didn’t read the synopsis going into this so I thought I was going into a book similar to the movie Bride Wars but I was pleasantly to surprised that I was a bit off base. This was a story of second-chance friendship, finding yourself as you get older, familial relationships, and, shocking bonus, there was a wedding and a little bit of revenge. 😂
I really loved Tennyson and Melanie. Their past and present was so enjoyable to read about but the ending? Perfection. 🤌 I also really enjoyed all the secondary characters - the hot cop and Tennyson and Melanie’s kids; they were equally enjoyable to read about, but let me take this second to say this: Kit was the worst and the real villain or this story. Not sorry. 😒
This was a super quick and easy read and I definitely recommend it! There are a couple possible triggers (mentions of ED and suicide, and there is a death) - they were all fairly minor to the plot but still, tread lightly if those are hurtful for you.
August 20, 2020
I actually expected it to be a comedy. The description really makes it seem this way. Two women who were best friends and became enemies have to meet again when their children are getting married and the whole wedding preparation pretty much becomes a battle.
But while the book has enough humor to make it light to read and could easily be filmed as a romantic comedy, the story is about friendship which can be funny but also sad. We get to see these women hate each other, find out why and then follow the changes in their relationship when they spend time together. Some of the moments were actually beautiful when they almost forgot why they were enemies.
I liked the main characters. They are pretty flawed people like real people are. And so it is also nice to read them not just dealing with their broken friendship but also with themselves to make their life better. So the book has a lot going on and was a pretty nice read.
But while the book has enough humor to make it light to read and could easily be filmed as a romantic comedy, the story is about friendship which can be funny but also sad. We get to see these women hate each other, find out why and then follow the changes in their relationship when they spend time together. Some of the moments were actually beautiful when they almost forgot why they were enemies.
I liked the main characters. They are pretty flawed people like real people are. And so it is also nice to read them not just dealing with their broken friendship but also with themselves to make their life better. So the book has a lot going on and was a pretty nice read.
March 15, 2020
Tennyson and Melanie were the best of friends, and now they’re mortal enemies. Now Tennyson’s son and Melanie’s daughter are engaged—what could possibly go wrong?? This is the setup for this book, and there are so many emotions on each of its pages. The relationships are tricky and real and complicated, which makes for a very compelling read.
October 3, 2021
I read a few contemporary (not YA) novels last year, and they kind of rubbed me the wrong way. That said, I sort of turned myself off to the genre. I only picked up The Wedding War because I needed "a book with a wedding item on the cover" for an upcoming challenge on one of my groups and I won this in a giveaway. I enter a lot of them, so I don't always know the genre of the novels I win, and have anything available at all times.
This defied my expectations of contemporary novels completely. The characters were so much more than I expected them to be, and I haven't seen this kind of character development in adult (not YA or NA) characters before.
I really appreciated that this had two, and only two, perspectives. Very quickly, it got to the point and left the reader wondering what the big secret was. The characters knew their place in the other's life, or thought they did, even when they weren't sure of their place in their own.
I have not really had a chance to explore female friendship in writing as much as I'd like to, and The Wedding War was a good way to do that. Looking at the way women grow and change together in literature that mimics my own life is something I hope to do a lot more of in the future, and I really like the way Liz Talley works with this in her writing. She is an author I would like to explore more into, and I can see this being a useful reread at various times in my life.
Disclaimer:
This defied my expectations of contemporary novels completely. The characters were so much more than I expected them to be, and I haven't seen this kind of character development in adult (not YA or NA) characters before.
I really appreciated that this had two, and only two, perspectives. Very quickly, it got to the point and left the reader wondering what the big secret was. The characters knew their place in the other's life, or thought they did, even when they weren't sure of their place in their own.
I have not really had a chance to explore female friendship in writing as much as I'd like to, and The Wedding War was a good way to do that. Looking at the way women grow and change together in literature that mimics my own life is something I hope to do a lot more of in the future, and I really like the way Liz Talley works with this in her writing. She is an author I would like to explore more into, and I can see this being a useful reread at various times in my life.
Disclaimer:
April 10, 2020
*eARC provided by publishers on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This book was... not what I was expecting. In this, the Spring of my Discontent (self-quarantine March/April 2020), I was looking for something light, breezy, funny, and a RomCom set at a wedding sounded perfect. The description reminded me of some of my favorite, terrible movies, like Bride Wars and the one where Jamie Lee Curtis and Sigourney Weaver are enemies but their kids are getting married. You Again? Actually, this description sounded exactly like You Again.
It was... not that. Yes, the general setting and premise matches the blurb, but this is not a fun, funny, frivolous read. Teeny and Melly are TERRIBLE people. I don't even know how to describe how awful these characters are. They do and say things that are so cringe-y and problematic that it almost seems contrived, like the author was intentionally making them bad characters. I'd kind of like that bold move, except they're so awful that I had to force myself to keep reading. And then the ending was so anticlimactic that it was hard not to feel like I'd wasted my time waiting for it to be a different book. It's really my own fault for expecting a romantic comedy, then reading a book that is neither funny nor romantic. There's not a lot more to say other than this might be a case of poor marketing.
Thank you for the free copy nonetheless!
This book was... not what I was expecting. In this, the Spring of my Discontent (self-quarantine March/April 2020), I was looking for something light, breezy, funny, and a RomCom set at a wedding sounded perfect. The description reminded me of some of my favorite, terrible movies, like Bride Wars and the one where Jamie Lee Curtis and Sigourney Weaver are enemies but their kids are getting married. You Again? Actually, this description sounded exactly like You Again.
It was... not that. Yes, the general setting and premise matches the blurb, but this is not a fun, funny, frivolous read. Teeny and Melly are TERRIBLE people. I don't even know how to describe how awful these characters are. They do and say things that are so cringe-y and problematic that it almost seems contrived, like the author was intentionally making them bad characters. I'd kind of like that bold move, except they're so awful that I had to force myself to keep reading. And then the ending was so anticlimactic that it was hard not to feel like I'd wasted my time waiting for it to be a different book. It's really my own fault for expecting a romantic comedy, then reading a book that is neither funny nor romantic. There's not a lot more to say other than this might be a case of poor marketing.
Thank you for the free copy nonetheless!
February 21, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with the ARC of "The Wedding War".
Based on the synopsis, I was really looking forward to an entertaining romantic read.
Unfortunately, that's not what I read. "The Wedding War" was filled with over the top descriptions, almost too much verbiage for the book to be of interest. The characters didn't help the story; they were cruel, unlikable and had very little redeeming qualities. About for as a romantic comedy... there was little to no true romance or laughter. I'm truly a bit out of my comfort zone with this book as it's hard for me to simply just straight dislike a book.
I hate to give someone's work such a low review, but sometimes, a book just doesn't work for me at all. And this was one of them.
Based on the synopsis, I was really looking forward to an entertaining romantic read.
Unfortunately, that's not what I read. "The Wedding War" was filled with over the top descriptions, almost too much verbiage for the book to be of interest. The characters didn't help the story; they were cruel, unlikable and had very little redeeming qualities. About for as a romantic comedy... there was little to no true romance or laughter. I'm truly a bit out of my comfort zone with this book as it's hard for me to simply just straight dislike a book.
I hate to give someone's work such a low review, but sometimes, a book just doesn't work for me at all. And this was one of them.
February 11, 2020
Thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pros: I liked the cover design it's what drew me to the book. The synopsis was good sounded like a witty rom-com book.
Cons: way to many to actually write up only reason i finished the book was one of my reading goals was to not DNF any books in 2020. The characters were just mean, vapid and awful humans who i wouldn't want to even be around in real life let alone read about. The ending was anti climatic. The love interests were truly terrible. I am sorry this book was far from comedic, romantic or enjoyable. Maybe another person will like it but it personally wasn't my style.
Pros: I liked the cover design it's what drew me to the book. The synopsis was good sounded like a witty rom-com book.
Cons: way to many to actually write up only reason i finished the book was one of my reading goals was to not DNF any books in 2020. The characters were just mean, vapid and awful humans who i wouldn't want to even be around in real life let alone read about. The ending was anti climatic. The love interests were truly terrible. I am sorry this book was far from comedic, romantic or enjoyable. Maybe another person will like it but it personally wasn't my style.
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