Friday, February 13, 2026

The Wedding People by Alison Espach - A Review

The Wedding People by Alison Espach was such a delightful surprise. I went in expecting a light, fun rom-com, and while it was definitely charming, it turned out to be surprisingly thoughtful too. The story follows Phoebe, who, after the death of her beloved cat, decides to treat herself to a long-dreamed-of stay at the Grand Cornwall Inn. She’s hoping for a little peace, quiet, and maybe some room service—but instead, she arrives right in the middle of a chaotic wedding weekend.

From there, the story spins into a quirky, offbeat adventure. Phoebe gets pulled into the wedding party in ways she never expected, forming connections with people she never planned to meet. It’s part rom-com, part heartfelt character study, and part reflection on grief, self-acceptance, and feeling stuck in life. Phoebe herself is relatable—she’s juggling heartbreak, infertility struggles, and the kind of low-grade melancholy that sneaks up on you after life throws too much at once. Watching her navigate all of that while accidentally becoming entangled in the lives of these strangers made for an unexpectedly moving read.

That said, not everything worked perfectly for me. The premise of a stranger stepping into a maid-of-honor role for a type-A bride felt a little far-fetched, and the ending leaned toward the predictable side. But even with those quirks, the book’s humor, warmth, and character moments more than made up for it. I found myself laughing, tearing up, and genuinely caring about the people at this wedding—more than I expected from what I thought would be a light beach read.

Ultimately, The Wedding People is a cozy, quirky, and surprisingly layered story. It’s the kind of book that sticks with you a little after the last page, making you think about the unexpected ways people can enter your life and leave a mark. Perfect for a winter afternoon, a book club pick, or anyone who likes rom-com vibes with a touch of real human emotion.

★★★☆☆

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