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amdawson's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Phoebe has nothing left to live for. Her husband left her for her best friend during the pandemic, after struggling with infertility. She’s ready to end it all. Phoebe books a room at the fancy hotel her husband wouldn’t splurge on when they were married, but upon checkin she realizes the whole place is booked for a wedding. Lila, the bride, cannot believe Phoebe got a room during her wedding week. What transpired from that moment on is a masterclass in revealing the depth and complexity of a diverse group of characters. For every dark, grief-filled moment, we are given a funny one. For every passive-aggressive remark we receive a surprisingly tender moment. It was the kind of book you want to linger in and yet, cannot put down.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Suicide, and Grief
Minor: Miscarriage and Pandemic/Epidemic
taylorelizabeth248's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
allthingsalicia's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sensitive topics: infertility & suicide
Thank you NetGalley/ Henry Holt for providing this ARC to me!
This book was such a refreshing take on the idea of “one moment can change everything”. This book was messy, but beautiful. The pace was enjoyable and provided you just enough time to ask yourself what you would do if you were in Phoebe’s shoes.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Phoebe and Lila. A wedding can truly bring out the best or worst in people and this book conveyed that in the more realistic way - the family conflict was just enough to keep you wanting to know…what now? The characters felt real and I know a few of them reminded me of a few people I know or have met. The writing was enjoyable - It was a fun read with solid dialogue that was witty and interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Infertility
alienrosey's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
WOW. This book was phenomenal. FIRST OFF: Big trigger warning for suicide and infertility. If that is not something you want to read about, this book is not for you.
Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review :)
TL;DR: Great book about learning how to live truly and deeply. Messy families abound! And life does not end when a relationship does.
Phoebe is going through a crisis, her depression has gotten overwhelming and her life is a mess. What better place to end it all than at the fanciest hotel she could find? Due to a booking error, she is there at the same time as a huge fancy wedding! The bride is determined for everything to go perfectly and that includes Pheobe not taking her own life. This book tackles hard subjects and does it well in my opinion. You truly feel the desperation and sadness she feels and the confusing feelings that come after the sadness.
This book was also fun! If you like messy family drama that doesn't affect your real life, this book is FULL of complicated relationships and gossipy messy moments. The serious exploration of what it means to live truly is married (pardon my pun) beautifully to the reality of living with other people. The characters felt like real people with secrets and conflicts. Side note, the few children that were in this book were written well! They sounded like real children talking, some books don't do that well.
All in all, this book is a triumph. I will be purchasing a physical copy upon release, I NEED this on my bookshelf!
Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review :)
TL;DR: Great book about learning how to live truly and deeply. Messy families abound! And life does not end when a relationship does.
Phoebe is going through a crisis, her depression has gotten overwhelming and her life is a mess. What better place to end it all than at the fanciest hotel she could find? Due to a booking error, she is there at the same time as a huge fancy wedding! The bride is determined for everything to go perfectly and that includes Pheobe not taking her own life. This book tackles hard subjects and does it well in my opinion. You truly feel the desperation and sadness she feels and the confusing feelings that come after the sadness.
This book was also fun! If you like messy family drama that doesn't affect your real life, this book is FULL of complicated relationships and gossipy messy moments. The serious exploration of what it means to live truly is married (pardon my pun) beautifully to the reality of living with other people. The characters felt like real people with secrets and conflicts. Side note, the few children that were in this book were written well! They sounded like real children talking, some books don't do that well.
All in all, this book is a triumph. I will be purchasing a physical copy upon release, I NEED this on my bookshelf!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Infertility
Minor: Vomit
The suicide attempt is brief and not graphic, pill related. Mention of another person's attempt that was more graphic but a sentence at most.
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