The Wedding People
by Alison Espach
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A propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help her start anew. It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She's immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she’s dreamed of coming for years—she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she’s here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself.... Another strength of the book is its thoughtful pacing. Moments of tension are balanced with quieter scenes that allow readers to process events and better understand character motivations. This rhythm prevents fatigue and keeps the narrative feeling dynamic throughout its length. The story benefits from its well-defined structure, which helps maintain momentum throughout. Each section contributes to the larger narrative arc, ensuring that the story feels purposeful. This structural clarity enhances readability and overall enjoyment.
