New Publication Spotlight & Review: The Wedding Crasher by Abigail Mann

Poppy is packing her bags to spend two blissful weeks alone on an island. It’s time away from the ex-husband who hasn’t quite moved out yet, and reminders of the marriage they rushed into young, before she’ll kick back on a girls’ holiday with her oldest friend Lola.

But before Poppy can set foot on the ferry, Lola waylays her. She has her first high-profile wedding planner gig on the neighbouring island, and there’s a problem – the photographer has bailed.

Poppy agrees to help out for Lola’s sake. But soon the bride confides she has cold feet and asks Poppy’s help escaping the island, and then Poppy realises she recognises the groom. Embroiled in a high-society disaster waiting to happen, Poppy has to save the wedding… but should she?

The Wedding Crasher will have you in stitches from start to finish – don’t miss the new uplifting book from Abigail Mann! Perfect for fans of Marian Keyes, Sophie Ranald and Beth O’Leary.

AMAZON US          AMAZON UK

With her marriage in ruins, Poppy arranges a photography trip to escape the husband she still shares a house with him. It’s a solid idea but an example of when best-laid plans go belly up and as a consequence, Poppy’s adventure is chaotic with a serious undertone.

My thoughts on this book are mixed because I had expected a rom-com, but it turned out to be more about the journey of breaking up and self-discovery. Although it was a satisfying read, it did not fit the mould of a typical romance novel. The plot centres around the pain of facing the end of a relationship, reflections on a failed marriage, trials and tribulations of friendship, and the complexities of starting over.

The protagonist, Poppy, is a well-developed character who evolves throughout the story. Initially, she is a passive wife who tolerates a lot, but she gradually takes control of her life and realizes her self-worth. She transforms from being a pushover with her family and friends to standing up for herself and pursuing her dreams. Her character progression is commendable, and her commitment to self-improvement is inspiring. Similarly, Will, the son of a wealthy and overbearing businessman, is also a well-developed character who struggles to assert himself and acknowledge his emotions.

The flashbacks provide insights into Poppy's relationships with her soon-to-be ex-husband and Will. These flashbacks are intriguing as they show how these relationships began and evolved when they were younger. They also reveal how some characters grew and evolved, while others remained unchanged. Poppy's husband, Josh, is an example of a character who displayed toxicity and narcissism from the outset, whereas Will stands out as a contrast to Josh, especially in how they treat Poppy.

Although the book was a satisfying read, I feel that my expectations influenced my perception of the story. Had I not expected a rom-com, I would have enjoyed the book more. It is, in fact, a story of a woman coming to terms with her divorce and discovering her identity without her husband and marriage defining her. I believe that readers who enjoy women's fiction will appreciate this book.

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter***