The Wedding People - Alison Espach

The Wedding People

By Alison Espach

  • Release Date: 2024-07-30
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 4,309 Ratings

Description

The runaway New York Times bestseller
A Today Show #ReadwithJenna Book Club Pick, New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and a #1 Indie Next Pick
Named a Best Book of the Year by The Guardian, Time, Chicago Tribune Biblioracle, HuffPost, US Magazine, Elle, Real Simple, and Glamour

A propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help her start anew.

It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She’s immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she’s dreamed of coming for years—she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she’s here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe's plan—which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can’t stop confiding in each other.

In turns absurdly funny and devastatingly tender, Alison Espach’s The Wedding People is ultimately an incredibly nuanced and resonant look at the winding paths we can take to places we never imagined—and the chance encounters it sometimes takes to reroute us.

Reviews

  • Unexpectedly Profound and Beautiful

    5
    By erismarie
    The Wedding People by Alison Espach was an unexpected gem. I went in thinking it would be light and quirky, but it turned out to be deeply moving and refreshingly honest. Phoebe’s journey—raw, vulnerable, and quietly powerful—was one I won’t forget. Espach doesn’t shy away from difficult topics; instead, she leans into them with grace and wit, making the story feel both real and resonant. Phoebe is a beautifully drawn character—flawed, likable, and inspiring. Her transformation throughout the book felt authentic and empowering. The writing sparkles with profound quotes and moments that linger long after the last page. It’s absurdly funny at times, heartbreakingly tender at others, and always emotionally true. If you’re looking for a novel that balances humor with depth and offers a fresh take on healing, friendship, and unexpected connections, this one’s for you.
  • Unexpected Bridesmaid

    5
    By Sparkkler
    This should become a Netflix Special Series. Alison Espach has a delightful sense of humor, great personal insight, and a knack for creativity. Spend a week with the wedding people and you will remember them forever.
  • Funny and Insightful

    5
    By Marcy Sue
    Could not put this book down. Loved the story, the characters and the humor.
  • Inspiring, moving and irresistible story

    5
    By ObligatedOlive
    Amazing story, great writing and could be relatable for anyone. If you haven’t been reading much and need something captivating to die into, choose this one. Well done, Alison!
  • Fabulous read!

    5
    By ArtsyLeah
    This was such a treat- I could envision each of the characters uniquely - because she developed each to have its own voice, colorful traits and personality. Thank you for writing this❤️
  • Best Book EVER

    5
    By keviekk
    This is the first book I’ve really picked up with my own will and really read every last word written. Truly a work of art and the details felt so vivid. Everything was so nuanced yet exciting as every character had their own story. Would love to see a part 2 of this book of what Phoebe’s future holds!
  • Encourages perseverance

    4
    By boanna99
    Very motivating book to make a change. Self help through rare coincidence. Finding hope when you’ve lost it.
  • I loved this book!

    5
    By user3DB
    It had great character development and an easy read! Finished it in one day!
  • Beautifully empowering

    5
    By Whitmben
    I loved this book. It’s relatable to those who fawn in life, in relationships, in our marriages.
  • The Wedding People

    5
    By Gotagoodbook?
    Real, likable characters. Unexpected ending. At first I wasn’t sure about the narrator, but she grows on you.

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