Here Comes the Bride

by Geraldine Napier

B001

Genres: Fiction, Romance

First published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book set in the bridal department (a world unto itself) of a New York department store set in the 1960s or '70s. Each chapter or so devotes itself to a different bride, with the overarching story of D'Arcy, our heroine, dealing with a militaristic new boss who doesn't understand the department and ultimately finding her own happy ending. I first read this book in A Reader's Digest Condensed version, more than once until finally seeking it out to read the whole thing. I was horrified by the cover. It would have made the basis of a good T.V. series.

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely readable 1960's rom-com type stuff that would have made an adorable movie or TV series of that era.
Could have done without the couple of references to married men taking the lead character out on dates. Other than that, an enjoyably wild and fluffy ride through a big-city bridal department with a competent but just about to lose her mind girl-in-charge and a stern, strict, hate him until you don't, floor manager.

Polished it off in one evening, easy. Recommend if you are looking for something that will remind you of... like I said, some Doris Day style 1960's "charm" and tug of war between the genders.

[Judity · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a big book, but I recommend it for the insight into the hysterical reaction of some brides when looking for their wedding gown. In the case of brides in this novel, hysterical doesn't just mean funny.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

If this book had had a less predictable ending it would have earned a 5 rating. At least it held my interest until the last few pages. Cute book.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another book I found in Volume 3 of 1966 Reader's Digest Condensed Books. I pulled it out from a large collection of books I had stored in my basement and thought I might want to read it someday. It was a quick read and a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon.

I found it interesting that the author said several publishers turned him down until he submitted the book under the name of a woman, Geraldine Napier. I had read the few paragraphs about the author before I read the condensed version of the book so I was thinking about the author as a man while reading the book.

Working with brides to help them select their perfect dress does seem to be a topic better handled by a woman; the main character was a woman who worked in the bridal department of a large department store in New York City. The author said he consulted with his wife who had done similar sales work.

A few times it seemed to me that the author was attributing the thoughts more likely those of a man to D'Arcy, the main character. The book takes the reader back to the prices of bridal attire in 1966 when the most extravagant bridal gown in the whole store was $2500. It is good to read a book without the bad language contained in so many books written today.

[Bookgyrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book more than 25 years ago in a second hand store. I have read it several times over the years and just found it in the attic again. Never threw it out.

D'Arcy works in a department store at the bridal department. She is really good at handling all the silly, nervous, glamorous brides, the mothers-of-the-bride etc.
But can she also handle Mr Kirkpatrick, who is one of the higher ups of the store and has his own view of the department and D'Arcy?

This is a typical 60s story but I loved it anyway. Brought back memories of 'Are you being served' and it is also like the earlier Harlequin novels. Girl meets stern boss (who then marries her... hahaha)

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

D'Arcy is not actively looking for romance - not enough time what with her job, her friends, and her past dating life. But Kirkpatrick, the roving floor manager, keeps impinging on her job and her life. And she keeps thinking about him, especially when a bomb scare almost destroys the Bridal Lounge. What is a girl to do?

I pull this off my bookshelf every once in a while to enjoy a fun read.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 1970s view of the working girl. D'Arcy Evans is a Bryn Mawr grad who runs the bridal department at a large NY city (after a stint at the embassy in Paris). I read this in Reader's Digest Condensed Books when I was in middle school - and it was fun to find it again. I'm so glad it's now and not then.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here Come the Brides by Geraldine Napier/Bernard Glemser is a story that will take you back to a simpler time. It is set in a Bridal Department of a Large Fifth Avenue department store in New York City. The time frame of the book is in the 1950's or 60's where women worn gloves and hats when they went out, mostly shopping. D'Arcy is unmarried and working as the head of the bridal area where calamities happen every day. She is dealing with emotional women and their families during an exciting and stressful phase of their lives. In addition, there is a new floor manager who tends to run the departments as if he were on a Navy ship! Will D'Arcy and this new boss be able to see eye to eye or will D'Arcy take an offer from another firm?

This is a sweet story that is a step back into a different era. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book that was part of a Reader's Digest Condensed Book collection.

[Cindy Schilling · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remembered reading this book in my parents' Reader's Digest Condensed books back in the late 60s when I was about 9 or 10. I was enthralled with the story of a woman working as the assistant buyer in a Bridal salon in a New York City department store. "Such a glamorous life!" my 10-year old self thought. I found a copy at my library's book sale and thought I'd read it to see if my middle-aged self enjoyed it as well. I will say that it was interesting to be reminded of attitudes about weddings and marriage in the middle of the twentieth century, and how much things have changed. I enjoyed reading it for nostalgia's sake, but it really doesn't hold up well.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a few years ago at the suggestion of my mother-in-law. At first I was a little dubious about reading it, but quickly discovered that I was enjoying myself! A fun, light-hearted romance.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

a humourous account of the running of the Bridal gown industry, through the eyes of a female employee of a prominent Bridal Boutique. Describes the temperaments of the various brides, as well as the atmosphere of an industry always on the brink of a crisis.

[Barbara Mader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just fun, enjoyed all the more because it was a book I read and relished (in what I think was a condensed form) over 30 years ago, when I was in high school. It held up pretty well. Light and amusing--nothing deep, here.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for a random little reading project (to be explained elsewhere/later). Surprisingly clever at times in the way interactions of humanity are depicted. Light and frothy, with just enough humor and insight to offset the cliches.

[Yrinsyde · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a reread. I borrowed this from my mum and it is charming. Very '60s and if you like the drama of a department store complete with fractious brides-to-be, this is for you! I'd like to read some of Glemser's other novels, but they seem hard to find now.

[angelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

lots of fun!

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and easy read about a twenty-something girl who works in the bridal department of a local department store.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming bit of fluff about the bridal department at a major department store. I enjoyed rereading it.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the 60's edition of this fashion consultant's job in a Fifth Ave bridal dept. Interesting.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable story. I read the Reader's Digest Condensed version on openlibrary.org.

[John Pitcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it seemed impossible for someone to get into so much trouble through mostly no fault of their own — I still enjoyed the story.

[Mike Gettel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wondering why this is considered rom com seeing as most of the first half is filled with frustrating brides and nit picky managers but it really picks up in the 2nd half which is rare. It ends with a bang haha.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story set in a bridal department of a major store in New York, and I just think it is the cutest story. To be honest, I have only ever read the Reader's Digest Condensed version, but it is one I have read many times when I want a quick, fun read.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read many years, wish it was in Kindle.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first encountered this book in one of those detestable Reader's Digest condensed-book versions that my grandparents owned. A few years later I found the paperback version and bought it and was quite surprised to read new chapters. I still love the book and loathe Reader's Digest condensed books.

[Wordwizard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, silly, quick.