***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
“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
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.
About Lauren Edmondson
Lauren 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.
[…] BOOK REVIEW: WEDDING OF THE SEASON BY LAUREN EDMONDSONTuesday: BOOK REVIEW: BEST SERVED HOT BY AMANDA ELLIOTWednesday: BOOK REVIEW: THE WOMAN WITH THE […]
Newport, RI is gorgeous! I can’t imagine there being anywhere affordable to rent. Interesting that the author went that route. This does sound like a good one!
Glad you enjoyed this one! Great review!
[…] BOOK REVIEW: WEDDING OF THE SEASON BY LAUREN EDMONDSONTuesday: BOOK REVIEW: BEST SERVED HOT BY AMANDA ELLIOTWednesday: BOOK REVIEW: THE WOMAN WITH THE […]
I love books about families, especially with some drama. I have requested this one. Great review, Wendy.
This looks good! I love stories about families and this looks like such a gorgeous setting.
Hmm, I wasn’t a fan of Edmonson’s previous book, Ladies of the House, but this one does sound interesting!
Maybe this one will surprise you?
This one looks good! Hadn’t heard of this author, but now looking forward to this story.
I hope you enjoy it if you get to it.
I’ve not tried this author, but the setting and your thoughts have me wanting to!
Thank you, Kimberly
Newport, RI is gorgeous! I can’t imagine there being anywhere affordable to rent. Interesting that the author went that route. This does sound like a good one!
Her descriptions of Newport were very good.
Newport is such a pretty city and it’s a great setting for a book. We also like the family complexities. Great review!
I’ve never been to Newport, but the author did an excellent job of describing the city.
Sometimes I like family drama and sometimes I prefer for them all to get along well! LOL! Good review, Wendy!
Yes, I don’t like to read too many family dramas in a row, I like some variety
Great review, Wendy. This is so much more than a romance.
Yes, the romance definitely takes a back seat in this book
I really enjoy character-based stories that focus on family dynamics. This sounds like a good one!
Yes, I think you’d enjoy this very much
Sounds like an enjoyable, light read.
https://bookdilettante.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Yes it was.
I enjoy books with wedding. It’s great this didn’t have bridezilla and book focused on relationships. Amazing review!
Thank you, Yesha.
I have not read this book but it reminds me very much of Jennifer Weiner’s The Summer Place. Thanks for sharing your lovely review Wendy!
Yes, it’s very similar to that book.
Lovely cover and the story sounds great. Lovely review, Wendy.
Thank you, Nadene!
Family drama caused by a dysfunctional family is always nice to read about. Glad you enjoyed this one!
Thank you, Joanna!
I can definitely see where a story like this could have lots of complexities. Families are great for that! Excellent review!
Yes, there are a lot of complex family dynamics
I love the angle of Cass finding her worth, great review!
Thank you, Rae!
Family drama? Yes please!! I need to check to see if I have this one! Excellent review Wendy!📚💜
I hope you enjoy it too!
What a pretty book cover.
Oh, I agree!
I do love a family drama, although I hope there is no drama at my wedding, great review 😊
I hope not too!