I really enjoy reading and reviewing books that have a great blend in the story. What that means is it’s not just a women’s fiction or it’s not just a romance. It’s not just a mystery or suspense. It has combinations of a lot of tropes running through it. That to me makes for a great read.
This upcoming release is a great example of a blend between women’s fiction, chick lit, and the beginnings of a clean romance. This author is a first time read for me. Continue on for my full review.
The Wedding Ringer by Kerry Rea
Publisher: Berkley (9 November 2021)
ISBN-13: 978-0593201848
OVERVIEW:
Once upon a time, Willa Callister was a successful blogger with a good credit score, actual hobbies, and legs that she shaved more than once a month. But after finding her fiancé in bed with her best friend, she now spends her days performing at children’s birthday parties in a ball gown that makes her look like a walking bottle of Pepto Bismol. Willa dreams of starting fresh, where no one knows who she used to be, but first she needs to save up enough money to make it happen.
Maisie Mitchell needs something too: another bridesmaid for her wedding. After a chance encounter at a coffee shop, Maisie offers to pay Willa to be in her bridal party. Willa wants nothing to do with weddings — or Maisie — but the money will give her the freedom to start the new life she so badly desires.
Willa’s bridesmaid duties thrust her into Maisie’s high-energy world and into the path of hotshot doctor Liam Rafferty. But as Willa and Maisie form a real friendship, and Liam’s annoyingly irresistible smile makes her reconsider her mantra that all men are trash, Willa’s exit strategy becomes way more complicated. And when a secret from Maisie’s past threatens to derail the wedding, Willa must consider whether friendship — and romance — are worth sticking around for.
The Wedding Ringer by Kerry Rea Review
I think we’ve all been shut down and broken down enough in our lives that we will recognize what’s going on in this insightful story. We have all mourned the loss of a boyfriend/husband but the betrayal and loss of a best friend is so hard to overcome for some reason. BFF had your back. They supported you and defended you. When that stops it is a different type of pain.
That is exactly what Rea captured so poignantly in The Wedding Ringer. The crash of everything we knew, the shut down, and the re-birth of who we are now. Getting back out there is hard and the author captured the processes so perfectly.
I loved the character development in this book. There are so many awesome characters that you learn to love and you can easily relate to them. Support and love is all around and this story is a great reminder to look at who is supporting us.
One thing I really wish is the we got to witness more from Liam and the developing story there. I feel a bit gypped after we spent so much time together. The laughs and humor, the sweetness and support. I really wanted more.
Overall, this story is a touching, raw, and funny look at our deepest emotions with a side of developing friendships, some tough love, and self help thrown in too. A delightful read!
4 STARS
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.