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When the Church Burns Down, Cancel the Wedding: Adventures from the Other Half of Single
*** Semi-finalist for the 23rd Thurber Prize for American Humor
*** Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Award Winner for Non-Fiction Humor
Hilarious, inspiring, and thoroughly authentic, Sara E. Braca’s debut memoir takes readers along on her post-divorce adventures around the world, sharing a life lived fully – if untraditionally – and proving that joy can always be found in unexpected places.
When the church burned down a week before her wedding, Sara Braca somehow did not perceive this as an omen. Six years after marrying (in a different church), an errant call from 1-800-Flowers alerted her to her then-husband’s affair. And as one unhappy chapter ended, she found herself writing a very different, much happier story.
An aspiring globe-trotter, Braca realized this was her opportunity to see the world. Solo travel became her first step to finding happiness, strength, and peace in her new life. From disastrous celebrity encounters to getting naked with colleagues at the Dead Sea to being adopted by a family of Greek hoteliers, Braca blends the everyday and the outrageous as she learns that there’s no one-size-fits-all model for a happy life.
When the Church Burns Down, Cancel the Wedding introduces a vibrant new voice, chronicling the triumphs, tragedies, and unexpected joys of modern solo living, and offers lessons in creating a unique and satisfying happily-ever-after of one’s own.
*** Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Award Winner for Non-Fiction Humor
Hilarious, inspiring, and thoroughly authentic, Sara E. Braca’s debut memoir takes readers along on her post-divorce adventures around the world, sharing a life lived fully – if untraditionally – and proving that joy can always be found in unexpected places.
When the church burned down a week before her wedding, Sara Braca somehow did not perceive this as an omen. Six years after marrying (in a different church), an errant call from 1-800-Flowers alerted her to her then-husband’s affair. And as one unhappy chapter ended, she found herself writing a very different, much happier story.
An aspiring globe-trotter, Braca realized this was her opportunity to see the world. Solo travel became her first step to finding happiness, strength, and peace in her new life. From disastrous celebrity encounters to getting naked with colleagues at the Dead Sea to being adopted by a family of Greek hoteliers, Braca blends the everyday and the outrageous as she learns that there’s no one-size-fits-all model for a happy life.
When the Church Burns Down, Cancel the Wedding introduces a vibrant new voice, chronicling the triumphs, tragedies, and unexpected joys of modern solo living, and offers lessons in creating a unique and satisfying happily-ever-after of one’s own.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 15, 2022
I smiled the entire time I read this book. Sara exudes such joy and a love of life as she navigates everything that life throws at her. She’s inspirational and secretly makes me want to ditch my family and explore the world on my own (don’t tell my family).
July 10, 2023
This book was excellent! Not only did I feel like I was on her trips with her, I felt like I knew her. She’s a very personable writer. I appreciate her explanation of being single, that it’s a choice. I hope she writes a follow up!
December 27, 2023
I’m rounding up just because I really like this author’s vibe. This collection of anecdotes from her travels is entertaining, especially the ones about places I have actually experienced. My favourite was her impromptu river-cruise in Germany, but there’s something here for everyone.
July 24, 2026
A Heartfelt and Hilarious Memoir About Finding Joy After Life's Unexpected Turns
Sara E. Braca's When the Church Burns Down, Cancel the Wedding: Adventures from the Other Half of Single is an honest, witty, and uplifting memoir that reminds readers that life's greatest detours often lead to its most rewarding destinations.
Blending laugh-out-loud humor with genuine vulnerability, Braca shares her journey from heartbreak and divorce to self-discovery through solo travel and unexpected adventures around the world. Her storytelling is refreshingly candid, allowing readers to experience both the painful moments and the joyful surprises that shaped her new beginning.
What makes this memoir especially memorable is its balance of humor and emotional depth. Whether recounting awkward travel experiences, unforgettable encounters with strangers, or deeply personal reflections on rebuilding life after disappointment, Braca writes with authenticity, warmth, and remarkable resilience. Her voice feels like that of a trusted friend sharing stories that are both entertaining and deeply encouraging.
Beyond the travel adventures, the book offers an empowering message about embracing life's unpredictability and redefining happiness on one's own terms. It celebrates independence, personal growth, and the courage to create a fulfilling life outside traditional expectations.
When the Church Burns Down, Cancel the Wedding is an inspiring read for anyone navigating change, recovering from loss, considering solo travel, or simply looking for a memoir filled with humor, hope, and heart.
Insightful, funny, and wonderfully relatable, this is a memorable memoir that leaves readers smiling long after the final page.
Sara E. Braca's When the Church Burns Down, Cancel the Wedding: Adventures from the Other Half of Single is an honest, witty, and uplifting memoir that reminds readers that life's greatest detours often lead to its most rewarding destinations.
Blending laugh-out-loud humor with genuine vulnerability, Braca shares her journey from heartbreak and divorce to self-discovery through solo travel and unexpected adventures around the world. Her storytelling is refreshingly candid, allowing readers to experience both the painful moments and the joyful surprises that shaped her new beginning.
What makes this memoir especially memorable is its balance of humor and emotional depth. Whether recounting awkward travel experiences, unforgettable encounters with strangers, or deeply personal reflections on rebuilding life after disappointment, Braca writes with authenticity, warmth, and remarkable resilience. Her voice feels like that of a trusted friend sharing stories that are both entertaining and deeply encouraging.
Beyond the travel adventures, the book offers an empowering message about embracing life's unpredictability and redefining happiness on one's own terms. It celebrates independence, personal growth, and the courage to create a fulfilling life outside traditional expectations.
When the Church Burns Down, Cancel the Wedding is an inspiring read for anyone navigating change, recovering from loss, considering solo travel, or simply looking for a memoir filled with humor, hope, and heart.
Insightful, funny, and wonderfully relatable, this is a memorable memoir that leaves readers smiling long after the final page.
August 8, 2023
Finishing this book was like ending a really good happy hour with a good friend. I laughed, I related, I was jealous, I was inspired. As someone who enjoys solo traveling (thrown into it not really by choice, but rather just circumstances), I have not ventured to overseas solo travel, and I feel like this is on the horizon, especially after reading this. A book of self-discovery and triumph. I do wish I could share a bottle of a delicious wine somewhere fantastic with Sara and learn more about embracing life for all it’s worth. A great read that I finished in one day.
December 19, 2023
An inspiring and empowering story.
Sara shares many examples of vulnerability and challenging times, which she grew strength from. Despite adversity, the author shows a deep level of resilience that can serve as an example for all those facing their own challenges.
What I loved most was Sara's sense of humor in telling various stories from her life, making her the heroine and story-teller simultaneously.
Sara shares many examples of vulnerability and challenging times, which she grew strength from. Despite adversity, the author shows a deep level of resilience that can serve as an example for all those facing their own challenges.
What I loved most was Sara's sense of humor in telling various stories from her life, making her the heroine and story-teller simultaneously.
November 15, 2022
A wonderfully refreshing book that celebrates the freedom of being single, the joys of travel, and the delight in finding & being oneself.
It’s a more realistic and cerebral Eat, Pray, Love- without the globby goop of ‘Of course she finds love’ tidy finish. Makes want to book a trip almost immediately.
It’s a more realistic and cerebral Eat, Pray, Love- without the globby goop of ‘Of course she finds love’ tidy finish. Makes want to book a trip almost immediately.
December 31, 2022
A good reminder to allow the journey of life to unfold
This was wonderfully written and, with a great balance of story telling and humor. I laughed out loud a few times thinking of the author in the situations she found herself in. I love this perspective, and am kind of envious of all Sara’s adventures! It’s a great read!
This was wonderfully written and, with a great balance of story telling and humor. I laughed out loud a few times thinking of the author in the situations she found herself in. I love this perspective, and am kind of envious of all Sara’s adventures! It’s a great read!
April 21, 2024
An absolutely delightful read. Braca's style is inviting, vulnerable, and hilarious. I enjoyed tagging along on this journey of self-discovery while reflecting on my own choices and life goals.
If you're looking for inspiration for stunning places to travel or ways to rediscover yourself after a tectonic shift to your previous plans, then this book is the perfect companion.
If you're looking for inspiration for stunning places to travel or ways to rediscover yourself after a tectonic shift to your previous plans, then this book is the perfect companion.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews