I’ve always been a sucker for books set in grand old hotels. There’s something magical about these places that have witnessed countless stories unfold within their walls – celebrations, heartbreaks, new beginnings. So when I heard about Alison Espach’s “The Wedding People,” set in the historic Cornwall Inn in Newport, I couldn’t resist. Though I have to confess, I initially thought this would be another light wedding romance (which, don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore). But oh my goodness, was I wonderfully wrong!
You know those books that surprise you in the best possible way? Like when you think you’re getting a fluffy beach read but end up with something that makes you laugh, cry, and contemplate life’s big questions all at once? That’s exactly what happened here. As I curled up with my trusty reading blanket and cup of chamomile tea (my go-to reading companion these days), I found myself completely absorbed in a story that was so much more than I expected.
The story follows Phoebe Stone, who arrives at the Cornwall Inn wearing only a green dress and gold heels – no luggage in sight. As someone who chronically overpacks (seriously, who needs three pairs of boots for a weekend trip?), this detail immediately caught my attention. There’s something both intriguing and heartbreaking about a woman who shows up to a luxury hotel with nothing but the clothes on her back, and I knew right away this wasn’t going to be your typical wedding story.
Let me take you through why this book completely stole my heart, made me laugh out loud (much to my cat’s confusion), and ultimately left me thinking about it long after I turned the last page…
What instantly drew me in was how real and raw Phoebe felt as a character. After failed IVF treatments and her husband leaving her for another woman, she’s at her absolute lowest point – and yet, her voice remains remarkably authentic and even humorous at times. I found myself highlighting passages on my Kindle and sending them to my best friend with messages like “THIS IS SO TRUE” at midnight. There’s something incredibly brave about a character who can still crack jokes while going through hell, isn’t there?
And then there’s Lila, our bride-to-be, who initially seems like she could be just another bridezilla character (and trust me, I’ve read enough wedding books to be wary of that trope!). But Espach gives us so much more. Lila is planning her dream wedding while grieving her recently deceased father, dealing with her wine-loving artist mother who keeps questioning her choice in men, and trying to navigate a complicated relationship with her future stepdaughter. The way these two women’s lives intersect is both unexpected and completely perfect.
The Cornwall Inn itself deserves its own mention – it’s basically another character in the story. As someone who spent way too much time last summer looking up historic hotels in New England (purely for research purposes, I tell myself), I could perfectly picture this grand old dame of a building with its ocean views and elegant corridors. Espach’s descriptions made me want to book a stay immediately, even if my bank account strongly disagrees with that impulse!
What really sets this book apart is how it balances heavy themes with moments of pure joy and humor. One minute you’re tearing up over Phoebe’s heartbreaking past, and the next you’re laughing out loud at some perfectly timed wedding chaos. It reminded me of that time I attended my cousin’s wedding where everything that could go wrong did go wrong, but somehow it ended up being more memorable and special because of it.
The supporting cast of characters is equally fantastic – from Gary’s scandal-prone sister Marla to the bride’s mother who seems to have an opinion about everything (doesn’t every wedding have one of those?). Each person feels fully realized, with their own struggles and secrets that gradually unfold throughout the story.
I particularly appreciated how Espach handled the mental health aspects of the story. Without spoiling anything, there are some heavy moments that are treated with both sensitivity and honesty. It’s refreshing to see these topics addressed in a way that feels authentic rather than sensationalized.
The writing itself is just gorgeous. There were so many lines I wanted to write down and save for later (but didn’t, because I’m terrible at keeping track of my reading journals – please tell me I’m not the only one!). Espach has this way of capturing profound truths about life, love, and human nature in the most unexpected moments.
If I had one tiny quibble, it would be that the middle section occasionally felt a bit meandering, like when you’re at a wedding and that one uncle’s speech just keeps going. But honestly? I didn’t really mind because I was so invested in these characters that I would have happily read about them doing their laundry.
This is one of those rare books that manages to be both entertaining and meaningful. It’s about weddings, yes, but it’s also about second chances, finding yourself when you’re completely lost, and the unexpected ways we can impact each other’s lives. It’s about how sometimes the worst moments in our lives can lead us exactly where we need to be.
So, should you read “The Wedding People”? If you enjoy complex characters, beautiful writing, and stories that make you both laugh and think – absolutely yes. Just maybe don’t start it right before bed like I did, because you might find yourself staying up way too late to find out what happens next. And maybe keep some tissues handy. Just saying.
“The Wedding People” is the kind of book that reminds me why I love reading so much. It’s the perfect blend of depth and entertainment, heart and humor. Just like the best weddings themselves, it brings together all the elements that make life both messy and beautiful.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go look up historic hotels in Newport. You know, for research purposes only…
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