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The Wedding Night
What do you do when the wedding of your dreams turns into a nightmare?
When a destination wedding is cancelled, a group of university friends travel to a luxurious villa in the South of France, determined to cheer up the bride-that-was and make the best of a pre-paid holiday.
But after a wild night of drunken revelry, the friends awake to find themselves with no memory of the last twelve hours - and surrounded by the traces of a wedding that wasn't supposed to have happened . . .
As last night's hangover wears off, the guests find themselves with more questions than answers.
Did a wedding take place?
Who is responsible for an ominous message in the guest book, congratulating the happy couple?
Why does the would-be bride seem so afraid?
And who is the mysterious, shadowy figure who seems to be watching the villa?
Each guest is hiding something. But what? And can they piece together the events of the wedding night before it is too late?
When a destination wedding is cancelled, a group of university friends travel to a luxurious villa in the South of France, determined to cheer up the bride-that-was and make the best of a pre-paid holiday.
But after a wild night of drunken revelry, the friends awake to find themselves with no memory of the last twelve hours - and surrounded by the traces of a wedding that wasn't supposed to have happened . . .
As last night's hangover wears off, the guests find themselves with more questions than answers.
Did a wedding take place?
Who is responsible for an ominous message in the guest book, congratulating the happy couple?
Why does the would-be bride seem so afraid?
And who is the mysterious, shadowy figure who seems to be watching the villa?
Each guest is hiding something. But what? And can they piece together the events of the wedding night before it is too late?
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2021
95 people are currently reading
4734 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
May 31, 2021
Lizzie and Dan call off their wedding due to take place in a secluded house in France. The guests are understandably disappointed but decide to go anyway and persuade Lizzie to come too. What changed Lizzie’s mind about the marriage? Only time will tell.
I really like the premise of the book but unfortunately the execution falls somewhat short. It’s long winded in places and not a lot happens. When it does it’s not actually particularly scary with the threats making you feel uneasy rather than tension and fear we should sense. All the assembled characters have either got disappointment in their lives, or are flawed or broken in some way. They aren’t easy to make a connection to and so you don’t especially invest in the storyline. The format of the book, which is from several perspectives with some sudden backtracking, is confusing at times and is disjointed.
On the positive side there are a few good plot twists and there are some entertaining events particularly in the first half, such as one morning after a bacchanalian mess of an evening there are a few headaches in more ways than one. There are some good themes such as friendship and love, jealousy, betrayal and blackmail. The pace is slow but in some parts of the book that does actually suits the unfolding narrative. Unfortunately the second half is not as strong as the first and the ending feels too neat as it doesn’t altogether help make sense of Lizzie’s decisions nor is it particularly believable.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable read in places but it’s a shame that’s not consistent throughout.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton the the arc in return for an honest review.
I really like the premise of the book but unfortunately the execution falls somewhat short. It’s long winded in places and not a lot happens. When it does it’s not actually particularly scary with the threats making you feel uneasy rather than tension and fear we should sense. All the assembled characters have either got disappointment in their lives, or are flawed or broken in some way. They aren’t easy to make a connection to and so you don’t especially invest in the storyline. The format of the book, which is from several perspectives with some sudden backtracking, is confusing at times and is disjointed.
On the positive side there are a few good plot twists and there are some entertaining events particularly in the first half, such as one morning after a bacchanalian mess of an evening there are a few headaches in more ways than one. There are some good themes such as friendship and love, jealousy, betrayal and blackmail. The pace is slow but in some parts of the book that does actually suits the unfolding narrative. Unfortunately the second half is not as strong as the first and the ending feels too neat as it doesn’t altogether help make sense of Lizzie’s decisions nor is it particularly believable.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable read in places but it’s a shame that’s not consistent throughout.
With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton the the arc in return for an honest review.
July 11, 2021
A good book but definitely not the psychological thriller the blurb hinted at (I pictured a tale of high body count at a beautiful sequestered location. The place they stay is called the Oratorie de St. Eris and I was counting on epic levels of discord & chaos!). So if, like me, that's why you thought to pick this up, be advised. This is a great book about women's friendships and how they change from college into adulthood, marriage, motherhood. I hadn't expected that part but I very much enjoyed that. The mystery is basically what happened that caused the wedding of the title to be called off and how all of the members of the party intersect and secrets are revealed.
In book-likes, this reminded me of Be Careful What You Wish For by Vivien Brown. As much as I dislike the genre assignation, I think this would fall under Women's Fiction. I think it'd be a fun book club or beach read. The setting and characters (Anna was the one with whom I identified most) are rendered very well. Walker has quite an evocative way with words and do bring your school French along for the peppering of words as descriptors.
But don't pick this up just yet if you're looking for a Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware or Emma Rous type tale.
In book-likes, this reminded me of Be Careful What You Wish For by Vivien Brown. As much as I dislike the genre assignation, I think this would fall under Women's Fiction. I think it'd be a fun book club or beach read. The setting and characters (Anna was the one with whom I identified most) are rendered very well. Walker has quite an evocative way with words and do bring your school French along for the peppering of words as descriptors.
But don't pick this up just yet if you're looking for a Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware or Emma Rous type tale.
June 20, 2021
Seven people travel to a luxurious French chateau. Their plan is to help the former bride forget the pain of cancelling her destination wedding. They arrive and discover the wedding prep has been done anyway. The bride takes a sleeping pill and hides in a bedroom. Her friends decide to live it up with the spread. Then the morning comes. Weird things have happened. No one is being honest with the others. Is there an additional guest sabotaging their vacation? There is a really big secret that will lead to a plot twist and kept me reading. The story is told by Lizzie, the bride and her best friends -- Effie and Anna. As with The New Girl, Walker fleshes out the bones of a thriller with social commentary. She makes some great points about gender roles, social media, and female friendships. Setting the story in a location without wi-fi ratchets up the suspense. I did find the musings of the two friends to be a bit repetitive. On the positive side, there is much for book groups to discuss and a guide is included. If you liked The Vacation, you will also enjoy this one.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2022
This was an enjoyable read overall but I would not consider it a psychological thriller. Some parts were long and too drug out and the story didn't really have a lot of action.
January 10, 2021
The Wedding Night has an interesting premise and a stunning backdrop, but ultimately, it suffers because it doesn't know what it wants to be. Although it's framed as a thriller, there's only a few moments of actual suspense and the plot feels dragged out. The ending underwhelmed me for all of the drama that lead to it; it seems like a story that could have been told in 100 pages.
I also struggled with the writing, which slowed the paced for me. Too many of the sentences were overcomplicated, padded with em dashes and heavy descriptions that I had to read 3-4 times to break down.
I think if the plot could have honed in more on the "wedding night" and unraveling the mysteries surrounding it, this could have been a much more intriguing read.
I also struggled with the writing, which slowed the paced for me. Too many of the sentences were overcomplicated, padded with em dashes and heavy descriptions that I had to read 3-4 times to break down.
I think if the plot could have honed in more on the "wedding night" and unraveling the mysteries surrounding it, this could have been a much more intriguing read.
January 11, 2021
I loved The New Girl so was delighted to see this one on NetGalley! And wow, it grabbed me by the throat and tossed me around (in the very best way)! We have three girlfriends, two male friends, a cancelled wedding, and a trip to France since the venue is available. What could possibly go wrong? Everything!! Its a very lyrical novel that I savored even as I raced through to discover what was going on. Don't try to figure it out; just enjoy! Walker speaks to so many poignant themes: friendship, love, jealousy, emotional abuse, sacrifice, betrayal, secrets, social media, and relationships in various stages. Above all what she focuses on is the lengths people will go to protect those we love and what we learn about ourselves through this often-arduous journey! Not to be missed!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
June 21, 2021
Thank you to the team at Hodder books for gifting me a copy for review!
Lizzie, Effie & Anna are true best friends for many years, from guy problems to university these ladies always have each other’s back throughout life. This was one of my favourite aspects of the story, the empowering friendship between these girls. Right at the beginning of the novel we discover that Lizzie is going through a difficult time with the end of her engagement. She was going to have a destination wedding abroad, so Lizzie and her close group of 6 friends decide to go on her wedding trip without the groom! All of them wanting to support the no-more bride to-be on a fun trip to an remote Chateau in France.
On what was supposed to be the wedding night at the Chateau, dark secrets of their relationships come to light. The girls find themselves entangled in a web of social media blackmail. The Wedding night exposes the internet's risks in modern society, how virtual blackmail is used against women who are subject to public scorn in attempt to tarnish their image. It is a female empowering read, these ladies show resilience and discover that together they are stronger to fight back.
Lizzie, Effie & Anna are true best friends for many years, from guy problems to university these ladies always have each other’s back throughout life. This was one of my favourite aspects of the story, the empowering friendship between these girls. Right at the beginning of the novel we discover that Lizzie is going through a difficult time with the end of her engagement. She was going to have a destination wedding abroad, so Lizzie and her close group of 6 friends decide to go on her wedding trip without the groom! All of them wanting to support the no-more bride to-be on a fun trip to an remote Chateau in France.
On what was supposed to be the wedding night at the Chateau, dark secrets of their relationships come to light. The girls find themselves entangled in a web of social media blackmail. The Wedding night exposes the internet's risks in modern society, how virtual blackmail is used against women who are subject to public scorn in attempt to tarnish their image. It is a female empowering read, these ladies show resilience and discover that together they are stronger to fight back.
March 17, 2021
Lizzie and Dan call off their wedding a week before the big day in South France by sending the family and friends an email saying they were cancelling it. The friends decided to go anyway since they couldn't get their money back and all had taken off time from work. I had a hard time believing anything in this book and it was a DNF for me. I couldn't connect with any of the characters. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
May 10, 2021
I really enjoy Harriet Walkers writing style. I loved The New Girl and when I saw The Wedding Night on NetGalley, I was pretty excited to dive in to this thriller!
While the pacing was a bit slower and the plot a little unbelievable, I still enjoyed it. There were times I found it a bit confusing because the narrators were fast and furious in the beginning before I had a real chance to get to know them but I soon got in to the flow of things.
A cancelled wedding and a secretive bride lead to a trip to Italy that is less than spectacular. Each character has something to hide and there’s no lack of drama to fuel the events that take place while the characters are either drunk or busy keeping secrets – some quite dark - from each other.
Final thoughts: An enjoyable read but took some effort to get in to and the end was just a bit too cliché.
While the pacing was a bit slower and the plot a little unbelievable, I still enjoyed it. There were times I found it a bit confusing because the narrators were fast and furious in the beginning before I had a real chance to get to know them but I soon got in to the flow of things.
A cancelled wedding and a secretive bride lead to a trip to Italy that is less than spectacular. Each character has something to hide and there’s no lack of drama to fuel the events that take place while the characters are either drunk or busy keeping secrets – some quite dark - from each other.
Final thoughts: An enjoyable read but took some effort to get in to and the end was just a bit too cliché.
November 21, 2021
Rating: 2.1 / 5
Second DNF for me today, which signals that maybe I shouldn't try any more new books right now.
The explanation for DNFing this one? It was boring and the characters were either pathetic, unlikeable, or both.
N-E-X-T.
(P.S. The low ratings on this one make sense.)
Second DNF for me today, which signals that maybe I shouldn't try any more new books right now.
The explanation for DNFing this one? It was boring and the characters were either pathetic, unlikeable, or both.
N-E-X-T.
(P.S. The low ratings on this one make sense.)
June 5, 2022
Adultery, jealousy, psychopathy and a lot of champagne and regrets in a french chateau. What could be better?!
February 15, 2021
Ugh, this book wasn’t for me. Lizzie and Dan abruptly cancelled their wedding letting their wedding party and friends know via email. The wedding party all decided that they would still go on the trip to get away from their lives and convinced Lizzie to go along. Odd things begin to happen and they suspect Dan is behind them.
The writing was long winded, and it seemed like the author was throwing out bizarre words like candy because she could. Frankly, it was extremely hard to understand and follow. The chapters were 1 of 3 girl’s perspectives, but it wasn’t written in first person so it was confusing at times.
I also would not categorize this as a thriller. There really wasn’t anything thrilling about it. It was boring, actually. Maybe it was because I found it hard to understand?
The ending was a happy one. So it did have that going for it. Otherwise, I would not personally recommend.
The writing was long winded, and it seemed like the author was throwing out bizarre words like candy because she could. Frankly, it was extremely hard to understand and follow. The chapters were 1 of 3 girl’s perspectives, but it wasn’t written in first person so it was confusing at times.
I also would not categorize this as a thriller. There really wasn’t anything thrilling about it. It was boring, actually. Maybe it was because I found it hard to understand?
The ending was a happy one. So it did have that going for it. Otherwise, I would not personally recommend.
May 31, 2021
Book Review: The Wedding Night by Harriet Walker
The wedding night is an adult domestic drama about a British group of friends that continue on to a French chateau even after the destination wedding that was supposed to take place there was cancelled. Over the next few days relationships will be tested and secrets revealed.
When a bridal party (and the bride) decides to continue on with the short vacation despite the wedding being cancelled it is not the relaxing trip they were picturing. The bride is keeping the secret of WHY it was cancelled and the tension around both her and what exactly happened during their drunken revelry the first night hangs over everyone. Someone is also cruelly taunting the bride by having all the wedding food and paraphernalia on display (despite the cancellation) and no one is quite sure what role the groom is playing in all this.
Overall I enjoyed this non-violent suspense novel especially the beginning and end. It did sag a little for me in the middle as I got frustrated that the reader is purposely out of the loop of what is happening and who is behind everything. Much of what was going on could have been wrapped up with a heartfelt but painful conversation. But in the end, when all is revealed you can see why certain key parts of the plot are kept secret. Although on the surface this is about a getaway and a cancelled wedding there is a lot of food for thought about parenting and what women sacrifice to be mothers and part of the workforce. Also the shame and heartache around dating, finding love, keeping love and the inequality around internet slut shaming.
If the reader can stick around through the frustrating middle part I recommend this suspenseful and thoughtful mystery novel around a group of friends and their secrets.
3.75 rounded up to 4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The wedding night is an adult domestic drama about a British group of friends that continue on to a French chateau even after the destination wedding that was supposed to take place there was cancelled. Over the next few days relationships will be tested and secrets revealed.
When a bridal party (and the bride) decides to continue on with the short vacation despite the wedding being cancelled it is not the relaxing trip they were picturing. The bride is keeping the secret of WHY it was cancelled and the tension around both her and what exactly happened during their drunken revelry the first night hangs over everyone. Someone is also cruelly taunting the bride by having all the wedding food and paraphernalia on display (despite the cancellation) and no one is quite sure what role the groom is playing in all this.
Overall I enjoyed this non-violent suspense novel especially the beginning and end. It did sag a little for me in the middle as I got frustrated that the reader is purposely out of the loop of what is happening and who is behind everything. Much of what was going on could have been wrapped up with a heartfelt but painful conversation. But in the end, when all is revealed you can see why certain key parts of the plot are kept secret. Although on the surface this is about a getaway and a cancelled wedding there is a lot of food for thought about parenting and what women sacrifice to be mothers and part of the workforce. Also the shame and heartache around dating, finding love, keeping love and the inequality around internet slut shaming.
If the reader can stick around through the frustrating middle part I recommend this suspenseful and thoughtful mystery novel around a group of friends and their secrets.
3.75 rounded up to 4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 16, 2021
A large group of friends decides to keep their plans of a vacation in the south of France even though the main event of the trip, the destination wedding, has been canceled. Without any explanation, Lizzie sends a blunt email announcing the change in plans. Her friends, perplexed and confused, feel like the best course of action for her is to continue with the vacation, sans wedding.
As soon as they arrive, they find the reception hall decorated, and the food and drink await as if the cancellation never went through. Naturally, this throws Lizzie into a spiral of despair, and thus the note of the entire trip is set. Things are no better the next morning when Lizzie wakes up to find her friends celebrated and partied in her absence, continuing on as if no one’s heart has been broken.
As we meet each friend, we wonder what truly happened to their plans and who’s leaving the hateful notes during their stay.
This is a quick and enjoyable read, but it tends to get a little confusing with the various personalities and “what if’s”. The dynamics between people shift too quickly and the plot isn’t very reliable. But all in all, it’s still a fun and fast-paced read.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The publishing date is June 1, 2021.
As soon as they arrive, they find the reception hall decorated, and the food and drink await as if the cancellation never went through. Naturally, this throws Lizzie into a spiral of despair, and thus the note of the entire trip is set. Things are no better the next morning when Lizzie wakes up to find her friends celebrated and partied in her absence, continuing on as if no one’s heart has been broken.
As we meet each friend, we wonder what truly happened to their plans and who’s leaving the hateful notes during their stay.
This is a quick and enjoyable read, but it tends to get a little confusing with the various personalities and “what if’s”. The dynamics between people shift too quickly and the plot isn’t very reliable. But all in all, it’s still a fun and fast-paced read.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The publishing date is June 1, 2021.
May 22, 2021
The Wedding Night was advertised as a thriller/women's fiction book. Unfortunately, not much about the book was actually thrilling. Lizzie's destination wedding in France is cancelled at the last minute, and none of her friends are able to figure out why. Because everyone needs the vacation for different reasons, and because Lizzie insists she still wants to go to get away, her and her group of friends still go to the villa. After the first night ends in a drunken escapade, secrets are revealed that send.the friends into chaos.
I wanted to love this book. I did. The premise sounded wonderful. Cover is perfect. The only problem is there isn't much thrill at all. Halfway through I had already pretty much figured out the big reveal, and the things that were happening were mediocre at best. Without giving any spoilers, what Lizzie was running from was absolutely insane. I was shocked that the ending was what it was. This had the potential to be such an amazing book and it just fell flat. However, the women's fiction part was the best part. The female friendships were beautiful and the first half of the book was honestly well written and interesting, it just fell apart around the half way mark.
⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, Harriet Walker, and Ballantine books for an ARC in.exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I wanted to love this book. I did. The premise sounded wonderful. Cover is perfect. The only problem is there isn't much thrill at all. Halfway through I had already pretty much figured out the big reveal, and the things that were happening were mediocre at best. Without giving any spoilers, what Lizzie was running from was absolutely insane. I was shocked that the ending was what it was. This had the potential to be such an amazing book and it just fell flat. However, the women's fiction part was the best part. The female friendships were beautiful and the first half of the book was honestly well written and interesting, it just fell apart around the half way mark.
⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, Harriet Walker, and Ballantine books for an ARC in.exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 15, 2021
Lizzie has called off her wedding - at a French chateau - to Dan at the last minute, without explaining why. Because everything’s booked and paid for, Lizzie and her friends - along with erstwhile best man Ben - decide to go anyway, treating it as a much needed holiday. But someone, it appears, has a different agenda...
We see events through the eyes of the three main women characters - Lizzie and her old friends Anna and Effie - as events unfold and more is gradually revealed about Lizzie’s reasons for cancelling her wedding.
I really liked Harriet Walker’s first novel, The New Girl. I’m not sure why The Wedding Night didn’t grab me quite as much - it took me a long time to get into the story, although I did enjoy it much more towards the end. Perhaps it was just a reflection of the mood I was in, because it’s undoubtedly well written.
It felt quite slow moving and as I said, it did take me a while to get into. The men all have names like Ben and Dan and Steve and James (honourable exception: Bertie) and I really struggled for quite a while to remember which was which, which probably didn’t help.
The end, though, was satisfying and even uplifting, and I very much enjoyed how this was done. Overall a good read with some valuable things to say about friendship and where true empowerment lies.
We see events through the eyes of the three main women characters - Lizzie and her old friends Anna and Effie - as events unfold and more is gradually revealed about Lizzie’s reasons for cancelling her wedding.
I really liked Harriet Walker’s first novel, The New Girl. I’m not sure why The Wedding Night didn’t grab me quite as much - it took me a long time to get into the story, although I did enjoy it much more towards the end. Perhaps it was just a reflection of the mood I was in, because it’s undoubtedly well written.
It felt quite slow moving and as I said, it did take me a while to get into. The men all have names like Ben and Dan and Steve and James (honourable exception: Bertie) and I really struggled for quite a while to remember which was which, which probably didn’t help.
The end, though, was satisfying and even uplifting, and I very much enjoyed how this was done. Overall a good read with some valuable things to say about friendship and where true empowerment lies.
April 22, 2023
Thrilling
January 13, 2021
When Lizzie & Dan suddenly cancel their destination wedding, the bridal party is floored. And then they decide to whisk Lizzie away to France anyway, to the secluded property to vacation and decompress. Effie and Ben (maid of honor and best man), have canceled all of the wedding arrangements ahead of time. When they, along with married couple Steve and Anna, and Charlie and his new girlfriend Isa, and Lizzie arrive they’re stunned to find the entire house set up for the picture perfect wedding. The weekend only gets worse from there, as Lizzie takes to the bed and the rest of the group breaks into the wedding champagne...
The next morning, the house is rocked and so we begin our journey into The Wedding Night. Everyone is hiding something. Protagonists are college friends Lizzie, Effie and Anna. The story jumps around from the wedding night to the next few days following the event.
I wouldn’t call this one a thriller - more of a whodunnit/mystery. Walker keeps the reader on their game and leaves them often wondering at what game is really going on with these characters. Do we really know them? And who is chasing who?
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The next morning, the house is rocked and so we begin our journey into The Wedding Night. Everyone is hiding something. Protagonists are college friends Lizzie, Effie and Anna. The story jumps around from the wedding night to the next few days following the event.
I wouldn’t call this one a thriller - more of a whodunnit/mystery. Walker keeps the reader on their game and leaves them often wondering at what game is really going on with these characters. Do we really know them? And who is chasing who?
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 29, 2021
The first half was really slow, and confusing because all the characters have the same voice. The story picked up again towards the end and I was more interested in the intrigue. Lizzy and Dan cancel their wedding in France but their group of friends (+Lizzy) decide to still go and enjoy their holiday. Weird things start to happen, and the plot twist is quite good. A light summer book, not really a thriller.
August 1, 2021
Singlehandedly one of the most painful books I’ve ever read. Not worth your time, definitely not worthy of the “best thriller of the year” title. It took 200 pages before anything remotely resembling a genuine plot showed up, and the entire book was a huge let down. Ending was predictable and not exciting or even remotely interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2021
The blurb sold this as "shocking" and, indeed, I'm shocked at how boring it was
June 1, 2021
This is the first book I've read by this author and it was a quick, fun read. A group of friends decide to get together for what should have been the destination wedding of friends, even though the wedding was called off. There are several twists and turns before the reason Lizzie called off the wedding is ultimately revealed. Everyone is keeping secrets and it was hard to figure out who the real "bad guy" was, but when the truth comes out, the villain ends up being creepier than I imagined. The writing style leaves some details vague and not completely explained. However, I liked the theme of friendship and new beginnings and overall enjoyed reading the book and would rate it 3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing an advance copy of this ebook. The book was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing an advance copy of this ebook. The book was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
November 28, 2021
Do I recommend this book? No. A massive portion of my enjoyment hinged on a twist I didn’t see coming, and now that you’ve read this and know to expect a twist, you likely won’t be nearly as enthralled with it. This author abuses her thesaurus, the plot feels wishy-washy for much of the book, the characters are not easy to root for until the last third of the book (for that turnaround, I will give some credit. I wasn’t expecting to come out liking the characters the way I did) and the ending is way too trite for my tastes, but my last few reads (several of which have been DNFs) have sucked the joy out of reading and it was nice to read a book and be entertained and captivated enough to keep reading, so for that, I’m giving 3 stars.
January 12, 2021
The Wedding Night, by Harriet Walker, was not at all what I was expecting. It's not particularly thrilling or suspenseful, but held some lovely scenes about evolving friendships in different stages of life.
The story takes a while to get moving, as we jump between different characters and their memories until the story of four college friends emerges. Lizzie has abruptly called off her destination wedding, but the friends decide that since they’ve already taken time off work, arranged a babysitter, paid for flights and so forth, and they’ll head to the would-be wedding destination anyway.
Full review is on my blog
The story takes a while to get moving, as we jump between different characters and their memories until the story of four college friends emerges. Lizzie has abruptly called off her destination wedding, but the friends decide that since they’ve already taken time off work, arranged a babysitter, paid for flights and so forth, and they’ll head to the would-be wedding destination anyway.
Full review is on my blog
April 26, 2021
Walker wrote a very good plot twist in The Wedding Night. I wondered why would a couple cancel their wedding a week before. I had to dive in. The first part was fairly mediocre. The narrative switches back and forth between the women and I did get lost at times. But after certain things are revealed and who is behind the cancellation it got really good. Although fiction, it’s a good life lesson to never trust anyone and the more one tries to circumvent the truth, the more damage is done. Sometimes ripping the bandage off so the truth is revealed is the best pathway. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the advance copy.
July 21, 2021
My first book by author Harriet Walker, I liked the whole concept of the story. It was fun with hints of gossip and internal rivalry that brought out the emotions of the prose. I got to know more about the happenings of the girls’ lives than the men.
There was one big shocker followed by another minor one near the end of the book. I wouldn’t call it a suspenseful thriller, but it was more of a contemporary with secrets abounding.
The book traversed the very fine line between mystery and suspense. Could have moved more toward suspense as the blurb indicated.
I enjoyed most of the prose, but the narrations and internal ruminations were a bit more than actual dialogues and interactions. The author did try to bring in hidden motives when things started happening during their stay, but nothing heart pounding.
The prose needed more of an adrenaline shot to liven it up. Overall, it was an interesting read that managed to spice up my rather bland lunch.
There was one big shocker followed by another minor one near the end of the book. I wouldn’t call it a suspenseful thriller, but it was more of a contemporary with secrets abounding.
The book traversed the very fine line between mystery and suspense. Could have moved more toward suspense as the blurb indicated.
I enjoyed most of the prose, but the narrations and internal ruminations were a bit more than actual dialogues and interactions. The author did try to bring in hidden motives when things started happening during their stay, but nothing heart pounding.
The prose needed more of an adrenaline shot to liven it up. Overall, it was an interesting read that managed to spice up my rather bland lunch.
July 2, 2021
So good!! I really enjoyed it. Full review to follow.
January 26, 2023
2.75* - I did not like the sentence structure throughout the whole book. It was very distracting and I found myself basically skimming a large portion to get through it quicker.
February 21, 2024
A strong 3 stars. Second half was more gripping than the first but an easy read overall and good twist!
June 30, 2021
Not what one might think this is.
A cancelled wedding, stalkers, secrets, characters who surprise one’s presumptions, suspense, thrills, secrets. Oh my goodness!
A cancelled wedding, stalkers, secrets, characters who surprise one’s presumptions, suspense, thrills, secrets. Oh my goodness!
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