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Wedding of the Season
“Elin Hilderbrand meets Edith Wharton in this delightfully juicy tale. I loved every minute.” —Meg Mitchell Moore, bestselling author of Vacationland
It's the wedding of the season and all of Newport is abuzz in this funny, joyous, whip-smart novel about two modern-day society families and the summer wedding that has the whole town talking...
Despite its beauty, Newport is a place Cass Coventry would prefer to forget. But after an extended absence, she’s back in her hometown to celebrate her sister’s engagement—even if she’s marrying into the family that famously stole the Gilded Age Coventry mansion out from under them a decade ago.
The moment Cass pulls up to the estate, she’s in for one surprise after another. The bride-to-be is hiding a big secret. Her mother has royal-wedding aspirations. And, when the date is set for only three months away, a local gossip blog makes the two families its new favorite subject.
It's not long before Cass's weekend in town becomes a full summer of frenzied wedding planning and society drama—but also idyllic sails, starry nights, and a former love. As the grand affair arrives, along with new truths about her family, Cass must finally face her own thorny past in Newport and decide how to honor the Coventry legacy in all its chaotic glory.
“A witty, unflinching look at ‘polite society.’ Edmondson is a master of character and setting.” —Jamie Brenner, bestselling author of The Forever Summer
It's the wedding of the season and all of Newport is abuzz in this funny, joyous, whip-smart novel about two modern-day society families and the summer wedding that has the whole town talking...
Despite its beauty, Newport is a place Cass Coventry would prefer to forget. But after an extended absence, she’s back in her hometown to celebrate her sister’s engagement—even if she’s marrying into the family that famously stole the Gilded Age Coventry mansion out from under them a decade ago.
The moment Cass pulls up to the estate, she’s in for one surprise after another. The bride-to-be is hiding a big secret. Her mother has royal-wedding aspirations. And, when the date is set for only three months away, a local gossip blog makes the two families its new favorite subject.
It's not long before Cass's weekend in town becomes a full summer of frenzied wedding planning and society drama—but also idyllic sails, starry nights, and a former love. As the grand affair arrives, along with new truths about her family, Cass must finally face her own thorny past in Newport and decide how to honor the Coventry legacy in all its chaotic glory.
“A witty, unflinching look at ‘polite society.’ Edmondson is a master of character and setting.” —Jamie Brenner, bestselling author of The Forever Summer
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2023
152 people are currently reading
4881 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Edmondson
3 books149 followersLauren Edmondson has a BA from Williams College and an MFA in fiction from Sarah Lawrence College. She lives outside Washington, D.C. with her husband two young children. She is the author of Ladies of the House: A Modern Retelling of Sense and Sensibility, which Publisher's Weekly called "a witty success." Wedding of the Season will be published in February 2023 by Graydon House/Harper Collins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
February 20, 2023
Review coming soon.
March 10, 2023
Wedding of the Season by Lauren Edmondson is a family drama and romance with a dysfunctional Newport family who have plenty of secrets, but I found it difficult to be invested in them. Cass Covington is a photojournalist from an old Newport family who no longer have money. Cass doesn’t care about the money or Newport society, but she returns home for the marriage of her older sister.
Quirky family members made for some entertaining moments and the emotional shift in Cass’s feelings for her family and Newport in general over this summer at home made this an O.K. read. I do wish the romance had been more prominent and developed because I did like Spencer and his story. I did enjoy the Newport setting and the dialogue between characters was mostly witty. The overall read just fell flat for me.
Quirky family members made for some entertaining moments and the emotional shift in Cass’s feelings for her family and Newport in general over this summer at home made this an O.K. read. I do wish the romance had been more prominent and developed because I did like Spencer and his story. I did enjoy the Newport setting and the dialogue between characters was mostly witty. The overall read just fell flat for me.
March 24, 2023
This was a quick and fun read about a wedding between the families of two affluent families who have been feuding for decades. There is a great second chance romance aspect that ties into it and a fun New England setting. This is a perfect beach/poolside read to read either in physical format or audio.
Thank you {partners} HTP books and Harlequin Audio for the gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you {partners} HTP books and Harlequin Audio for the gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.
September 20, 2022
I began this book in 2020, while I was pregnant with my son, and we were still mostly locked down. The Coventrys and Newport saw me through a wild year and beyond, helping me to remember the important things (family, home, love) and to put the small stuff in perspective. I hope this book brings a smile to your face! xx Lauren
July 21, 2025
Advanced Book Review! Thank you @netgalley, @graydonhousebooks, @harlequinbooks and @htpbooks for sending me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Give me a book about a wedding and I’ll be happy. Add in a fancy Gilded Age Estate and family dysfunction and I’m basically guaranteed to pick it up.
Lauren Edmondson’s Wedding of the Season is about “two modern-day society families and the summer wedding that has all of Newport talking…” The description grabbed me from the start, and the cover is stunning! Makes me want to take my book to sit outside to read by the water…and then I remember that it’s winter here.
I think the quote that best sums up this book is when Archer says to Cassie: “I know you love your work. I just wish you’d open your damn eyes and see meaning here, with us, too.” I think at the heart of this story, it’s really about finding home and connecting with your family and with those that have your history. Cassie’s relationship with her sister and brother, and even her parents, eccentric though they may be, and the lengths she will go to support and protect them was one of the best parts of the book. I also loved Cassie and Spencer together and it was clear they both felt like outsiders in Newport so it made perfect sense, and I liked that the romance wasn’t the focus of the story.
I will say that I wish there were more details (I’m a details person) throughout the book on certain things like what exactly happened to make Cassie leave Newport in the first place all those years ago, what exactly happened on her last trip as an overseas photographer, and more details on the circumstances that led to her family making a deal to give up their family estate. These things are alluded to throughout and closer to the end, some of these details start to fill in. Overall, I liked how it ended.
The book has kind of a Gossip Girl feeling to it, with an anonymous Instagram account spreading gossip about the society families. I can honestly say I wasn’t sure who was behind the account.
Lauren Edmondson also gives very detailed descriptions of the locations in the book and it makes me want to visit places like Newport to see these Gilded Age estates.
Give me a book about a wedding and I’ll be happy. Add in a fancy Gilded Age Estate and family dysfunction and I’m basically guaranteed to pick it up.
Lauren Edmondson’s Wedding of the Season is about “two modern-day society families and the summer wedding that has all of Newport talking…” The description grabbed me from the start, and the cover is stunning! Makes me want to take my book to sit outside to read by the water…and then I remember that it’s winter here.
I think the quote that best sums up this book is when Archer says to Cassie: “I know you love your work. I just wish you’d open your damn eyes and see meaning here, with us, too.” I think at the heart of this story, it’s really about finding home and connecting with your family and with those that have your history. Cassie’s relationship with her sister and brother, and even her parents, eccentric though they may be, and the lengths she will go to support and protect them was one of the best parts of the book. I also loved Cassie and Spencer together and it was clear they both felt like outsiders in Newport so it made perfect sense, and I liked that the romance wasn’t the focus of the story.
I will say that I wish there were more details (I’m a details person) throughout the book on certain things like what exactly happened to make Cassie leave Newport in the first place all those years ago, what exactly happened on her last trip as an overseas photographer, and more details on the circumstances that led to her family making a deal to give up their family estate. These things are alluded to throughout and closer to the end, some of these details start to fill in. Overall, I liked how it ended.
The book has kind of a Gossip Girl feeling to it, with an anonymous Instagram account spreading gossip about the society families. I can honestly say I wasn’t sure who was behind the account.
Lauren Edmondson also gives very detailed descriptions of the locations in the book and it makes me want to visit places like Newport to see these Gilded Age estates.
February 10, 2023
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
Wedding of the Season by Lauren Edmondson is a look at dysfunctional families preparing for a wedding in the exclusive city of Newport, Rhode Island.
Story Recap:
Cass Coventry left Newport as fast as she could, and her plan was to never return. But, when her sister is getting married, she returns for the engagement party and ends up staying for the entire season until her sisters’s wedding.
Life back in Newport is anything but ordinary. Cass finds her parent's home has not been kept up and is deteriorating fast. Her mother has unrealistic ideals for the wedding and Cass is having to keep her mother’s lofty ideals in check. Her parent’s landlady is threatening to evict her parents from the only home they have ever known. And Cass’s sister, the bride, has secrets of her own.
My Thoughts:
I love a book with family drama, and Wedding of the Season is full of drama. I thought it might have a bridezilla theme, but it doesn’t. It’s more about the families and how they will adjust to the wedding and the wedding preparations.
Cass has a complex relationship with her hometown of Newport as well as with her family and their legacy in Newport. Cass doesn’t realize her value to herself or her family.
I was surprised at the complexity of the story and the relationships between the characters. The author did a great job of making these characters sympathetic. Especially as the story is set in one of the wealthiest places in the United States.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend Wedding of the Season to anyone who enjoys women's fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Wedding of the Season by Lauren Edmondson is a look at dysfunctional families preparing for a wedding in the exclusive city of Newport, Rhode Island.
Story Recap:
Cass Coventry left Newport as fast as she could, and her plan was to never return. But, when her sister is getting married, she returns for the engagement party and ends up staying for the entire season until her sisters’s wedding.
Life back in Newport is anything but ordinary. Cass finds her parent's home has not been kept up and is deteriorating fast. Her mother has unrealistic ideals for the wedding and Cass is having to keep her mother’s lofty ideals in check. Her parent’s landlady is threatening to evict her parents from the only home they have ever known. And Cass’s sister, the bride, has secrets of her own.
My Thoughts:
I love a book with family drama, and Wedding of the Season is full of drama. I thought it might have a bridezilla theme, but it doesn’t. It’s more about the families and how they will adjust to the wedding and the wedding preparations.
Cass has a complex relationship with her hometown of Newport as well as with her family and their legacy in Newport. Cass doesn’t realize her value to herself or her family.
I was surprised at the complexity of the story and the relationships between the characters. The author did a great job of making these characters sympathetic. Especially as the story is set in one of the wealthiest places in the United States.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend Wedding of the Season to anyone who enjoys women's fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 9, 2023
Wow, the writing of this book is beautiful. I think it might be my favorite book so far this year!
I hope I can find the right words to describe this book.
Do you ever read a book and feel like every word is the right one? Several times reading this book I just reread a sentence because I loved it so much. It didn’t even matter what the sentence was about, this author just has a beautiful way with language.
I wouldn’t change a thing about the story either. I don’t give 5 star ratings much but when I do it’s because I not only loved the book but I wouldn’t have changed any part of the story.
The house in this book is practically it’s own character. It reminded me a bit of Downton Abbey in that way.
The Coventry Family used to own a beautiful gilded age mansion in Newport. The Coventry family sold the property to someone when Cass and her siblings were young. The Coventry family was allowed to stay on the property in a much smaller guest house.
Cass left Newport in a blaze of glory when she was young. She made a scene that she’s still embarrassed about. She’s become a famous photographer and she avoids Newport now. But her older sister is getting married, so she must go home.
To make things more dramatic for everyone, the bride is from the Coventry family and the groom is the son of the woman who bought their family’s home.
Cass’s mom is trying to spend way beyond her means to make this the wedding of the season. Cass decides to stay in Newport till the wedding to help reign in her mother’s extravagances and for another reason that I don’t want to spoil.
This book was beautifully written. I love a beach book but this book is just simply a wonderful book. I could sit here and dig into the characters and the storyline but I’m not going to risk spoiling anything, I just want to recommend reading it.
I hope I can find the right words to describe this book.
Do you ever read a book and feel like every word is the right one? Several times reading this book I just reread a sentence because I loved it so much. It didn’t even matter what the sentence was about, this author just has a beautiful way with language.
I wouldn’t change a thing about the story either. I don’t give 5 star ratings much but when I do it’s because I not only loved the book but I wouldn’t have changed any part of the story.
The house in this book is practically it’s own character. It reminded me a bit of Downton Abbey in that way.
The Coventry Family used to own a beautiful gilded age mansion in Newport. The Coventry family sold the property to someone when Cass and her siblings were young. The Coventry family was allowed to stay on the property in a much smaller guest house.
Cass left Newport in a blaze of glory when she was young. She made a scene that she’s still embarrassed about. She’s become a famous photographer and she avoids Newport now. But her older sister is getting married, so she must go home.
To make things more dramatic for everyone, the bride is from the Coventry family and the groom is the son of the woman who bought their family’s home.
Cass’s mom is trying to spend way beyond her means to make this the wedding of the season. Cass decides to stay in Newport till the wedding to help reign in her mother’s extravagances and for another reason that I don’t want to spoil.
This book was beautifully written. I love a beach book but this book is just simply a wonderful book. I could sit here and dig into the characters and the storyline but I’m not going to risk spoiling anything, I just want to recommend reading it.
February 10, 2023
Cass left Newport for college and never returned to live there; she has been a freelance journalist. Her family is old Newport who sold their family home years ago and now live in a carriage house on the property. Cass's sister Maggie is marrying the current owner's son. Jack and Maggie are trying to plan a wedding and Cass is in town for a short time period. Jack's mother Susie tells Cass her parents have to move from the carriage house; and Cass has to be the one to tell them.
Cass ends up spending the summer at Newport and meets up with her old boyfriend Spencer. Can Cass and Spencer make it work this time?
This book seems to be really long, and I struggled to read the whole book. I have never read this author before and not sure if I will again.
Cass ends up spending the summer at Newport and meets up with her old boyfriend Spencer. Can Cass and Spencer make it work this time?
This book seems to be really long, and I struggled to read the whole book. I have never read this author before and not sure if I will again.
February 22, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wedding Of The Season
Author: Laura Edmondson
Publication Date: Feb 21, 2023
Wedding of the Season by Lauren Edmondson celebrates life, love, home, land, and community. It is a good thing to have possessions as long as they don’t possess you to the detriment of having a fulfilling life. Our lead protagonist, Cass, comes home from a career in photojournalism in far-flung countries and places. She comes home for her sister’s wedding and only somewhat grudgingly since she left Newport more than ten years ago. But what would be a short time in town turns into more, and Cass finds a home and love combined. Let’s talk about a win-win for everyone. This is a story that oozes charm, class, and wit. The supporting characters are a hoot, and this large family clan learns many lessons. Happy Book Birthday since today celebrates the publication of this charming story. I hope you will hurry and purchase Wedding of the Season. Bravo, and well done. #womensfiction #literaryfiction #fiction #romance #compound #love #generations #life #future #WeddingoftheSeason lauraedmondson @harlequinbooks @graydonhousebooks @netgalley @mrslaurenedmondson
💍
I received a complimentary copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to Graydon House Books, Harlequin Trade Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this book. Pub Date: Feb. 21, 2023.
💍
#book #books #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #reader #booklove #bookreader #reader #reading
Wedding Of The Season
Author: Laura Edmondson
Publication Date: Feb 21, 2023
Wedding of the Season by Lauren Edmondson celebrates life, love, home, land, and community. It is a good thing to have possessions as long as they don’t possess you to the detriment of having a fulfilling life. Our lead protagonist, Cass, comes home from a career in photojournalism in far-flung countries and places. She comes home for her sister’s wedding and only somewhat grudgingly since she left Newport more than ten years ago. But what would be a short time in town turns into more, and Cass finds a home and love combined. Let’s talk about a win-win for everyone. This is a story that oozes charm, class, and wit. The supporting characters are a hoot, and this large family clan learns many lessons. Happy Book Birthday since today celebrates the publication of this charming story. I hope you will hurry and purchase Wedding of the Season. Bravo, and well done. #womensfiction #literaryfiction #fiction #romance #compound #love #generations #life #future #WeddingoftheSeason lauraedmondson @harlequinbooks @graydonhousebooks @netgalley @mrslaurenedmondson
💍
I received a complimentary copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to Graydon House Books, Harlequin Trade Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this book. Pub Date: Feb. 21, 2023.
💍
#book #books #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #reader #booklove #bookreader #reader #reading
January 12, 2023
Cass is back in Newport to celebrate her sister, Maggie's engagement to Jack. The problem is that Jack's family stole the Gilded Age Mansion from her family a decade ago. When she visits with her family, she finds out information about her parent's future that she can't share just yet and secrets about her family's legacy. Her sister is hiding a big secret herself and Cass finds herself rekindling a past romance. What will happen next is anyone's guess!
I really enjoyed WEDDING OF THE SEASON, I think it's a perfect book for anytime of year, but especially the summer. The cover is just stunning!! If you enjoy family dramas, you will enjoy this one. I did like the ending and thought it wrapped the story up perfectly. I am planning to go back and read Lauren Edmondson's debut novel.
Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House and Lauren Edmondson for my gifted copy.
This review will be posted to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
I really enjoyed WEDDING OF THE SEASON, I think it's a perfect book for anytime of year, but especially the summer. The cover is just stunning!! If you enjoy family dramas, you will enjoy this one. I did like the ending and thought it wrapped the story up perfectly. I am planning to go back and read Lauren Edmondson's debut novel.
Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House and Lauren Edmondson for my gifted copy.
This review will be posted to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
February 12, 2023
Who doesn’t love a wedding? Especially a society wedding with dysfunctional families in a Mansion with a beautiful backdrop. Secrets are everywhere in this story, slowly unfolding. A prodigal daughter returns home for her sisters wedding to a town where she really doesn’t want to be. As with any wedding, there is drama thanks, in part, to an Instagram Gossip site, mothers who can’t get along and adult children who try to make things work.
For me, this story was overly descriptive, which took away from the storytelling. I found myself skimming some sentences. The details of some situations were not fully explained. I found the characters lacking in depth and fairly one dimensional, self centered.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing andNetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone
For me, this story was overly descriptive, which took away from the storytelling. I found myself skimming some sentences. The details of some situations were not fully explained. I found the characters lacking in depth and fairly one dimensional, self centered.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing andNetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone
March 10, 2023
Cass Coventry is back home in Newport for her sister's big society wedding to a rival family. And not just any Newport family, but the family that bought the Coventry ancestral mansion and displaced her family to the measly carriage home. Once Cass returns home, she realizes her parents aren't living in the lap of Newport luxury. Instead the carriage home is falling apart and she finds out that they may be evicted. Plus, her mother has over-the-top wedding plans for Cass's sister and Cass seems to be the only one reining her in. To top it off, sister, Maggie, is hiding a big secret. Lauren Edmondson's Wedding of the Season is a light-hearted family drama that would be perfect for spring break.
Read the rest of my review here: www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2023...
Read the rest of my review here: www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/2023...
February 20, 2023
The Wedding of the Season is to be held in Newport, home for generations to the genteel Coventry family. Photo-journalist Cass Coventry-Gilford must attend. After all, it’s her sister, prima ballerina Maggie who is getting married and she wants Cass there. It helps that Cass is on a required leave due to a foreign disaster. It doesn’t help that Susie, Maggie’s future mother-in-law, bought the ancestral Coventry manor but let the displaced family move into the carriage house. And it really doesn’t help that Cass’s mother Hope, who defines the word “flighty”, has ignored the necessary upkeep of said carriage house. Oh, and Hope is a hoarder and Susie has a big secret that she has only shared with Cass. Add to the mix a hunky chef, a time capsule, Sotheby’s and a snarky gossip site and you have a quirky, captivating read!
Wedding of the Season is a guilty pleasure! Talented author Lauren Edmondson skews society mores and over-the-top wedding plans while dealing with family drama and relationships. Enjoy this 5 star read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Lauren Edmondson for this ARC.
Wedding of the Season is a guilty pleasure! Talented author Lauren Edmondson skews society mores and over-the-top wedding plans while dealing with family drama and relationships. Enjoy this 5 star read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Lauren Edmondson for this ARC.
March 12, 2023
A young woman, Cass, goes home to Newport, where her family were once wealthy offspring of a robber baron, for her sister's wedding. Pleasant enough, but just not quite believable. The humor and some of the incidents seem rather forced. I didn't quite believe Sothby's would be interested in this family's stuff. I didn't quite believe Maggie as a dancer with the NYCB or that Cass was a international photojournalist. I didn't believe at all that Vogue would feel the need to cover this wedding and I couldn't believe that a family would put a family time capsule up for auction, to be bought and opened by a stranger, without having the least idea what was inside. The book it making a point about difficulties between mothers and daughters and choices professional women make, but I just didn't buy it.
June 14, 2025
A fun summer read! I bought this in Newport because it is centered on a fictional Newport Mansion’s family wedding. I loved recognizing the places and how the family resembles the actual robber barons. It wasn’t the most in-depth character building, and I felt like there were some unexplained/underdeveloped plot lines. I will probably never think of this book again, but it was a timely and enjoyable few days!
October 6, 2023
Should have DNF'd this one. Most of the main characters seemed so childish and I didn't like any of them. Some of the events in the book also seemed so weird (don't get me started on the time capsule...).
July 5, 2023
3/5
Hard to follow at times. Decent story line. Pretty light hearted about Newports upper class. Would recommend as an easy and fun option!
Hard to follow at times. Decent story line. Pretty light hearted about Newports upper class. Would recommend as an easy and fun option!
February 26, 2023
Good book. Very Elin Hildebrand
March 9, 2023
Reading this at the same time I was getting married (just two months ago) made it an even more enjoyable read.
January 10, 2023
Wedding of the Season by Lauren Edmondson
I enjoy reading books about families and family dysfunction. The more generations represented, the better. Nothing puts more pressure and scrutiny on a family than a wedding, especially if you’re rich. Watchful eyes and wagging tongues usually make for a great story with richly drawn characters told over spans of generations.
Unfortunately, this book is more the bridesmaid than the bride. And most of the characters are wearing those bridesmaids dresses we have all seen - filled with what looks like layers, but when you actually look underneath there’s nothing but layers and layers of tuile.
“Season” works two ways here. Yes, the story takes place from May to August which is basically a season. But there is also The Season - which means a whole other ballgame in Newport.
Protagonist Cass has come back to town for the wedding of her sister, Maggie. Maggie is marrying childhood sweetheart Jack, who just “happens” to be the son of the woman who bought The Land out from under her family. Romeo and Juliet they aren’t. While returning, Cass meets old flame Spencer, her first love. Spencer is now a chef with the best restaurant in town.
If you notice that I’m describing these characters in a matter-of-fact way, that’s done deliberately. These people don’t have depth at all. Cass is a photojournalist with an adrenaline chaser. Her last assignment caused her physical harm, but that is only mentioned in passing.
Yes, there is lots of family drama, but it’s far from what I expected. The problems these people have aren’t relatable to me. It’s a decent escapist read, but at times it borders on sexist. These aren’t really strong people- they are all just cotton candy.
Is it entertaining? It’s not poorly written at all, and I’m sure there is a huge market for this. Unfortunately, I just don’t think that’s me.
I enjoy reading books about families and family dysfunction. The more generations represented, the better. Nothing puts more pressure and scrutiny on a family than a wedding, especially if you’re rich. Watchful eyes and wagging tongues usually make for a great story with richly drawn characters told over spans of generations.
Unfortunately, this book is more the bridesmaid than the bride. And most of the characters are wearing those bridesmaids dresses we have all seen - filled with what looks like layers, but when you actually look underneath there’s nothing but layers and layers of tuile.
“Season” works two ways here. Yes, the story takes place from May to August which is basically a season. But there is also The Season - which means a whole other ballgame in Newport.
Protagonist Cass has come back to town for the wedding of her sister, Maggie. Maggie is marrying childhood sweetheart Jack, who just “happens” to be the son of the woman who bought The Land out from under her family. Romeo and Juliet they aren’t. While returning, Cass meets old flame Spencer, her first love. Spencer is now a chef with the best restaurant in town.
If you notice that I’m describing these characters in a matter-of-fact way, that’s done deliberately. These people don’t have depth at all. Cass is a photojournalist with an adrenaline chaser. Her last assignment caused her physical harm, but that is only mentioned in passing.
Yes, there is lots of family drama, but it’s far from what I expected. The problems these people have aren’t relatable to me. It’s a decent escapist read, but at times it borders on sexist. These aren’t really strong people- they are all just cotton candy.
Is it entertaining? It’s not poorly written at all, and I’m sure there is a huge market for this. Unfortunately, I just don’t think that’s me.
January 30, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this Novel, in exchange for an honest review.
I could not finish this book. There were too many things that just bothered me with it. First the MC Cassie kept referring to her parents by their first name or mother/father depending on who she was talking to. I thought that was a bit weird. She also kept referring to a head injury that happened to her prior to joining her parents at their home for her sister’s engagement party but never alludes to as to why. Just freaking tell us!
I really wanted to stick this one out and finish it, but i didn’t want to waste any more time trying to understand this book.
I could not finish this book. There were too many things that just bothered me with it. First the MC Cassie kept referring to her parents by their first name or mother/father depending on who she was talking to. I thought that was a bit weird. She also kept referring to a head injury that happened to her prior to joining her parents at their home for her sister’s engagement party but never alludes to as to why. Just freaking tell us!
I really wanted to stick this one out and finish it, but i didn’t want to waste any more time trying to understand this book.
September 20, 2022
Lauren Edmondson’s THE WEDDING OF THE SEASON is a must read for every book club! Set in Newport, photographer Cass Coventry reluctantly returns to for her sister’s wedding and is immediately confronted with the cracks in her family’s oxidized Gilded Age legacy. Forced to live in the guest house, in the shadow of their forfeited mansion, the Coventrys find that the impending wedding, like all weddings, has the supernatural power to lay bare past hurts, hopes, triumphs and disappointments. As the family grapples with the future and the superficial glittering brought about by a society union, Cass must decide if her instinct to flee was the right one or if, perhaps, there was a reason her family came and stayed all those years ago. Atmospheric and clever, with captivating, evocative characters, Edmondson’s WEDDING OF THE SEASON, is perennial—like the best sort of party where the memory echoes long after the final toast.
October 21, 2023
I was so disappointed in this book and I hate writing a "I did not like a book review." I read Ladies of the House first and I'm so glad I did because I'm not sure I would've read that book after reading Wedding of the Season.
IMHO this book was a lot about nothing. The story was disjointed - bits and pieces of history through out but not enough to keep my attention to the detail or even to keep my interest in the history of the families. I got tired of reading a little bit about the family, their antiques, their feuding, and in particular Cass picking at threads! The characters weren't developed in the beginning to make me want to like any of them. There was a lot I wanted to learn or like about Newport and that didn't happen.
I'm quite surprised I finished the book and it was a chore for me to finish. I wanted to like this book like I enjoyed Ladies of the House and it just wasn't an enjoyable read.
IMHO this book was a lot about nothing. The story was disjointed - bits and pieces of history through out but not enough to keep my attention to the detail or even to keep my interest in the history of the families. I got tired of reading a little bit about the family, their antiques, their feuding, and in particular Cass picking at threads! The characters weren't developed in the beginning to make me want to like any of them. There was a lot I wanted to learn or like about Newport and that didn't happen.
I'm quite surprised I finished the book and it was a chore for me to finish. I wanted to like this book like I enjoyed Ladies of the House and it just wasn't an enjoyable read.
May 30, 2023
This was an enjoyable, frothy beach read for me. The main character, Cass, has returned to Newport for her sister's engagement party. A photojournalist, she has avoided home for years. A member of a once prominent Newport family that fell upon hard times in her childhood, they had to move to the guesthouse of the beloved family estate.
Lots of family drama, rich people backstabbing, and some amusing moments, I was sad to see it end.
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House for the ARC!
Lots of family drama, rich people backstabbing, and some amusing moments, I was sad to see it end.
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House for the ARC!
March 20, 2023
Sharp, witty, and oh-so-fun! I devoured this book in a weekend as it swept me away to the gilded mansions of East Coast royalty where we explore family, legacy, perceptions, and love.
February 18, 2024
This was a mediocre family saga. not a romance! I repeat: not a romance! Repetition and expectations were this book's downfall.
2 stars
2 stars
February 20, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks go to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House.
Genre: General Fiction, Women's Fiction, Adult Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction
Spice Level: 1 pepper (there's a scene with the door open—I skipped it but it wasn't too long to get too detailed.)
WEDDING OF THE SEASON has a languid pace much like sailing on a calm ocean. It the story of old money versus Nouveau Riche. It the story of that which is lost and that which is found. It's a story of secrets. And it's a story of love—lost, found, betrayed, broken, and settled. It's also a story of love for your family, for the past, and for the future. After all, it's set in Newport.
Cass is a photographer and ran when hard times hit her family. She's back and has to face her past. But also the burden of secrets and the weight of her family legacy. Her family is check to jowl in the cottage, while the woman who "stole" their ancestral home lords over them. And who's getting married? Of course it's the daughter of the old rich, and now impoverished family, to the son of the lord of the manor. There's plenty of tension there!
Who are they trying to fool? When the rich has already moved down in status to the cottage, I kept wondering why there's this big hubbub? That didn't make sense so me when Cass's family is already somewhat black-balled from polite (meaning rich) society. I don't live on the East coast, so maybe I missed the nuance of the situation.
All of the characters fell a little flat for me—and I feel terrible saying that. The dad, J.P., doesn't seem to know what's going on. Hope, the mom, is living in a different era. Archer seems defined by his previous illness. Maggie is one I never felt like I knew as well as Jack; that's the couple in love. And Susie, Jack's mom, is hard to decipher between her words and actions. That's not everyone, but enough for this review. I'm fumbling here trying to figure out what I didn't love about the story. I wanted to adore this book and the world, but it also fell a bit flat for me. Was that because I'd just attended a wedding full of love? I don't know. It seemed a bit convoluted for convolutions sake...
The part I liked the best is in the last 5% of the book where the Mom, Hope, is talking to her children. I felt the resolve at this moment. Something of the heart of the story. As always, I love to read the acknowledgments to see what the author used that was real or if the time was fudged on history—this book was no exception to that rule.
Since it just wasn't for me, I'm giving it 4 stars because I think others will connect to it differently. If I rated it purely for myself, I'd give it 3 stars.
This is going to be a hit with the right audience.
Genre: General Fiction, Women's Fiction, Adult Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction
Spice Level: 1 pepper (there's a scene with the door open—I skipped it but it wasn't too long to get too detailed.)
WEDDING OF THE SEASON has a languid pace much like sailing on a calm ocean. It the story of old money versus Nouveau Riche. It the story of that which is lost and that which is found. It's a story of secrets. And it's a story of love—lost, found, betrayed, broken, and settled. It's also a story of love for your family, for the past, and for the future. After all, it's set in Newport.
Cass is a photographer and ran when hard times hit her family. She's back and has to face her past. But also the burden of secrets and the weight of her family legacy. Her family is check to jowl in the cottage, while the woman who "stole" their ancestral home lords over them. And who's getting married? Of course it's the daughter of the old rich, and now impoverished family, to the son of the lord of the manor. There's plenty of tension there!
Who are they trying to fool? When the rich has already moved down in status to the cottage, I kept wondering why there's this big hubbub? That didn't make sense so me when Cass's family is already somewhat black-balled from polite (meaning rich) society. I don't live on the East coast, so maybe I missed the nuance of the situation.
All of the characters fell a little flat for me—and I feel terrible saying that. The dad, J.P., doesn't seem to know what's going on. Hope, the mom, is living in a different era. Archer seems defined by his previous illness. Maggie is one I never felt like I knew as well as Jack; that's the couple in love. And Susie, Jack's mom, is hard to decipher between her words and actions. That's not everyone, but enough for this review. I'm fumbling here trying to figure out what I didn't love about the story. I wanted to adore this book and the world, but it also fell a bit flat for me. Was that because I'd just attended a wedding full of love? I don't know. It seemed a bit convoluted for convolutions sake...
The part I liked the best is in the last 5% of the book where the Mom, Hope, is talking to her children. I felt the resolve at this moment. Something of the heart of the story. As always, I love to read the acknowledgments to see what the author used that was real or if the time was fudged on history—this book was no exception to that rule.
Since it just wasn't for me, I'm giving it 4 stars because I think others will connect to it differently. If I rated it purely for myself, I'd give it 3 stars.
This is going to be a hit with the right audience.
March 2, 2023
Newport, Rhode Island
Maggie Coventry-Gilford and Jack Utterback, son of Susie Utterback, are having an engagement party at the Coventry mansion called The Land. Maggie’s sister, Cassie, who has been gone from the area for quite awhile is back to celebrate with her sister. Cassie is a well-known photographer who has traveled all over the world. She is joining her parents, Hope and J.P., and her brother, Archer.
Maggie’s parents owned The Land until some years ago when they were forced to sell it to Susie and move into a cottage on the estate. Today, the cottage is in dire need of many repairs but Hope is a bit of a hoarder and J.P. just ignores it.
Cassie sees that her mother wants a high society wedding for Maggie but won’t admit that she doesn’t have the money to pay for it. Finally, Susie agrees to host the wedding at The Land and Cassie is hoping to sell some old family heirlooms to help pay for it as well as getting rid of some of the clutter.
Maggie is not quite herself and finally confides a secret she is keeping to her sister, Cassie. At the same time, Cassie has met up with a one-time boyfriend, Spencer, who is now divorced and the chef at a lovely restaurant.
We see the gossips of the town intent on talking about the upcoming wedding. There is a site where many go to make their acid comments.
I had a difficult time reading this book. The wording came across as “prissy” as if the author was trying to impress the reader with her words. Dysfunctional family at its best. I liked Spencer and the long-suffering J.P. I had high hopes for this book as the homes of Newport have always been of interest to me but this one just didn’t make it.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Maggie Coventry-Gilford and Jack Utterback, son of Susie Utterback, are having an engagement party at the Coventry mansion called The Land. Maggie’s sister, Cassie, who has been gone from the area for quite awhile is back to celebrate with her sister. Cassie is a well-known photographer who has traveled all over the world. She is joining her parents, Hope and J.P., and her brother, Archer.
Maggie’s parents owned The Land until some years ago when they were forced to sell it to Susie and move into a cottage on the estate. Today, the cottage is in dire need of many repairs but Hope is a bit of a hoarder and J.P. just ignores it.
Cassie sees that her mother wants a high society wedding for Maggie but won’t admit that she doesn’t have the money to pay for it. Finally, Susie agrees to host the wedding at The Land and Cassie is hoping to sell some old family heirlooms to help pay for it as well as getting rid of some of the clutter.
Maggie is not quite herself and finally confides a secret she is keeping to her sister, Cassie. At the same time, Cassie has met up with a one-time boyfriend, Spencer, who is now divorced and the chef at a lovely restaurant.
We see the gossips of the town intent on talking about the upcoming wedding. There is a site where many go to make their acid comments.
I had a difficult time reading this book. The wording came across as “prissy” as if the author was trying to impress the reader with her words. Dysfunctional family at its best. I liked Spencer and the long-suffering J.P. I had high hopes for this book as the homes of Newport have always been of interest to me but this one just didn’t make it.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 13, 2023
Set in Newport, RI, Wedding of the Season is a story about a family who once was a part of high society, however, time and bad financial decisions has left them struggling to lead the lives of their ancestors. While the focus of the book is the wedding and the events leading up to it, the family’s history is interwoven throughout the book.
In the beginning, we’re introduced to Cass, a photographer, who comes back home to Newport, the hometown she could not wait to flee. Her sister is engaged to her parents’ landlord’s son, which brings about many interesting challenges.
Having recently visit Newport and the beautiful mansions, I was able to envision the characters in the various locations mentioned throughout the book.
While the title leads the reader to believe the focus of the book is on a wedding, I felt as though the wedding was secondary to the family’s financial struggles.
We’re told that Cassie fled Newport because of an ‘event’ that occurred and yet, the reader is kind of left hanging. One needs to read between the lines and decipher what that event was.
Early on we’re introduced to Spencer, Cassie’s former love and a successful restauranteur. I would have enjoyed more development of their story and less of the family drama.
I believe the overall theme of the book is family and our connection to them. While there are times we want to run away from the craziness, at the end of the day, it’s family who are our rock. It took the events of the wedding for Cassie to realize that her heart really is in Newport.
Thank you @netgalley, @graydonhousebooks, @harlequinbooks and @htpbooks for approving me for an ARC.
#WeddingoftheSeason #NetGalley
In the beginning, we’re introduced to Cass, a photographer, who comes back home to Newport, the hometown she could not wait to flee. Her sister is engaged to her parents’ landlord’s son, which brings about many interesting challenges.
Having recently visit Newport and the beautiful mansions, I was able to envision the characters in the various locations mentioned throughout the book.
While the title leads the reader to believe the focus of the book is on a wedding, I felt as though the wedding was secondary to the family’s financial struggles.
We’re told that Cassie fled Newport because of an ‘event’ that occurred and yet, the reader is kind of left hanging. One needs to read between the lines and decipher what that event was.
Early on we’re introduced to Spencer, Cassie’s former love and a successful restauranteur. I would have enjoyed more development of their story and less of the family drama.
I believe the overall theme of the book is family and our connection to them. While there are times we want to run away from the craziness, at the end of the day, it’s family who are our rock. It took the events of the wedding for Cassie to realize that her heart really is in Newport.
Thank you @netgalley, @graydonhousebooks, @harlequinbooks and @htpbooks for approving me for an ARC.
#WeddingoftheSeason #NetGalley
February 22, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
As someone who does not care for much history, I really do love so much about the Gilded Age. And after visiting Newport a few years ago and seeing all the large, stunning mansions up close, it really sparked my interested for the time. Now, I want to read as much as I can about the Gilded Age and the mansions of the past. So I was very excited to see this new book by Lauren Edmondson, a new to me author. Her novel was focused around a wedding that involved two society families and homes from the past.
While I enjoyed Lauren Edmondson's description of Newport - in fact, it made me want to go back immediately - I felt that there was so much description through the book that it took away from the story. I often felt bogged down while reading this, it made the story seem longer than it was, and it didn't make for an overall enjoyable read. I even put the book down for a day or two and debated whether or not to come back to it.
One of my favorite parts of the story was Net-A-Newport, a fictional social media account spreading gossip throughout town. This gave the story a sense of feeling a bit like Gossip Girl, which I was totally here for! I didn't have a clue who could have been running this account until the end! I really enjoyed this aspect of the story.
This story mainly focused on the sister of the bride, but I think I may have enjoyed the story more if it was more centered around the bride directly. Overall, this book just didn't meet my expectations.
As someone who does not care for much history, I really do love so much about the Gilded Age. And after visiting Newport a few years ago and seeing all the large, stunning mansions up close, it really sparked my interested for the time. Now, I want to read as much as I can about the Gilded Age and the mansions of the past. So I was very excited to see this new book by Lauren Edmondson, a new to me author. Her novel was focused around a wedding that involved two society families and homes from the past.
While I enjoyed Lauren Edmondson's description of Newport - in fact, it made me want to go back immediately - I felt that there was so much description through the book that it took away from the story. I often felt bogged down while reading this, it made the story seem longer than it was, and it didn't make for an overall enjoyable read. I even put the book down for a day or two and debated whether or not to come back to it.
One of my favorite parts of the story was Net-A-Newport, a fictional social media account spreading gossip throughout town. This gave the story a sense of feeling a bit like Gossip Girl, which I was totally here for! I didn't have a clue who could have been running this account until the end! I really enjoyed this aspect of the story.
This story mainly focused on the sister of the bride, but I think I may have enjoyed the story more if it was more centered around the bride directly. Overall, this book just didn't meet my expectations.
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