Happily ever after isn’t always what you expect…”Polly Atkins, a Londoner living in New York City, is headed back across the pond for her wedding, a grand affair that has her older sister, Bella, in a whirlwind of excitement. Bella can’t wait to take over the wedding plans–and neither can Polly’s best friend, Grace, whose life as a wife, housekeeper, and mother is making her feel older than her twenty-eight years. She’s desperate to see Polly settle down in the same city–and the same life.
The only one who isn’t bursting with enthusiasm is Polly. Which is why, before things can get any more chaotic, she calls the whole thing off and lets go of the most perfect man on the planet. There’s no way that Polly is going to tell anyone why she’s changed her mind. Some secrets are best kept hidden. But Grace and Bella are determined to get Polly and her fiance back together if it’s the last thing they do. After all, solving someone else’s problems has got to be better than dealing with your own.
Amazon USAmazon UKB&NGoodreadsReview: There Goes the Bride
Polly’s flying home and she’s getting married! Except, she’s not. The wedding’s off and nobody can figure out why. After all, Polly seemed head over heels with her fiance Dev and the wedding is just around the corner. Polly’s friend Grace and her sister Bella both have enough problems of their own but with Christmas and a wedding just around the corner, they need to figure out how to get Polly down the aisle.
I really enjoyed There Goes the Bride. Although the main aspect of the story is Polly’s refusal to wed Dev – and refusal to confirm why – Bella and Grace also have their own share of pretty heavy going problems. Bella has a successful catering business but she’s looking to adopt and having a waster of a boyfriend lolling around the house, bringing his mates home and missing every social worker’s visit is proving to be a bit much to handle. Grace has lovely children but a less than lovely husband. Despite being a talented artist, she’s become little more to her husband than a fetcher, carrier and babysitting service.
The book is fun and funny with a smattering of arguments, romance, sex, snobbery and Christmas mayhem. At times it’s a little predictable but there’s some charm in that and a kind of reassurance that there’s nothing too tragic or overwhelming to face. This is feel good and enjoyable, with laughs, smiles and contented sighs along the way.
I haven’t read any of McQueen’s previous work but having enjoyed this so thoroughly I would definitely recommend her and wouldn’t hesitate to pick up other work by her. A fantastic pick about real women with real issues!
Verdict: 4/5
(Book source: reviewer received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review)
About the Author:
By day a publicity assistant, by night an avid blogger and reader. I'm happiest when I'm surrounded by books and cats, with my husband by my side. Luckily, that's a pretty apt description of most days!
Donna Brown – who has written 619 posts on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave.
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Nov 17, 2012 @ 06:47:13
A lovely review, Donna. I'm really on the fence about this one. I've been looking to start reading something new but I'm really not the stock-standard 'Sex and the City' type girl and for some reason that's the vibe I'm getting from this. The one thing that is really pushing me over the edge is where you finished off with: "…real women with real issues."
Does 'There Goes the Bride' did a little deeper that the fluffy, rom-com rubbish that my friends have been recommending I read of late? Please say yes because I'm dying something enjoyable that still isn't a SATC carbon copy.
Nov 18, 2012 @ 23:41:06
I think so. It's certainly grittier than cocktails and shopping, though it still has plenty of lighthearted moments!