Book Review: Wedding Night

UK cover

By Melissa Amster

Given that I'm a huge Sophie Kinsella fan, it should be obvious that I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her latest novel, Wedding Night, and digging into it as soon as I had a copy in my hands. Needless to say, it was definitely worth the wait!

After anticipating a proposal from her longtime boyfriend, Richard, and having nothing happen to that extent, Lottie does what is normal for her after a break-up....something extreme that boils down to an "unfortunate choice." In this case, the "unfortunate choice" involves eloping with her first boyfriend, Ben, and taking off to Greece to have a "wedding night" to remember.

Lottie's older sister, Fliss, is dealing with the long-term effects of a terrible divorce and doesn't wish the same fate on her sister, whom she knows is making a huge mistake. She'll do anything to stop this marriage from happening and keep Lottie from getting hurt. This endeavor sends her off on an adventure neither she nor Lottie will ever forget....for different reasons, of course.

Like with Sophie Kinsella's previous novels, I really have only good things to say. Wedding Night was a delightful and hilarious story with many unexpected twists. I found myself laughing out loud many times while engrossed in this enjoyable escape from my real life activities. All of the characters involved were very interesting and fit well into the plot. The settings were easy to visualize throughout and I enjoyed the armchair adventure in Greece. I loved that both sides of the story were at play, so we could see how Fliss' actions affected Lottie and also get an idea as to what motivated Fliss to do this in the first place. The sisters were like night and day but had an interesting bond, as well. Their relationship reminded me of the one between myself and my sister. I'd probably also take on the role of Fliss in how she was so concerned about her sister's love life.

US cover

Unlike some of Sophie's previous stand alone novels, Wedding Night did not feature a mystery to resolve. There were still some surprises in store, but it wasn't like Twenties Girl or I've Got Your Number, where there's a secret going on behind the scenes and the main characters are caught up in making things right. This had more of a screwball 1940s romantic comedy feel. I could definitely see it on the big screen as an adorable chick flick. I even cast it already, but you'll have to visit my interview at Francine LaSala's blog, Clippings in the Shed, to find out my choices. (This novel would be right up Francine's alley, given that her debut novel also had the screwball 1940s romantic comedy feel.)

Bravo to Sophie on another job well done. I look forward to many more stand alone novels, as well as some more visits with our favorite shopaholic, Becky Bloomwood. (She did say that it's in the works, according to our interview last month.)

Thanks to Transworld Publishers for the book in exchange for an honest review.