"The Wedding Hitch" by Claire McCauley is a delightful romantic comedy following a bride in search of a groom. After a couple of dark thrillers, this was just what the doctor ordered.
Meet Róisín O’Reilly, an Irish woman who designs and crafts historical costumes and lives in Bath. When she wins her dream wedding in a contest offering the venue and all the trimmings at the grand Sylverley House, she is ecstatic. Unfortunately, her fiancé, Nate, isn't keen on marriage to her or at all. After ten years together, Róisín decides enough is enough and leaves him. Now, she has a venue but no groom. What's a woman to do? Go look for one, of course. Easier said than done!
The venue is reserved for only a year, leaving no time to waste. Thus begins a series of disastrous dates that provide comic relief and some cringe-worthy moments. Between searching for a new place to live, going on dates, working, and dealing with her eccentric family, she tries to get her life back on track. She forms connections with the people working at the estate, including the mysterious trust advisor, Tristan Nash, and his dog Bear. We also meet her good friends and her fairy-goddaughter, Esme, a precious six-year-old with cerebral palsy.
I enjoyed this adorable romantic comedy. The only hitch? There wasn't much romance in it or a well-developed relationship. There were hardly any interactions between Róisín and her intended groom, and their relationship lacked depth. It went from zero to 1000 in a heartbeat. All we got was the introduction of the man she had a crush on, with no other reason given for her attraction to him except for his looks, air of mystery, and brooding ways (reminiscent of Mr. Darcy).
The book starts slowly, focusing on descriptions of the estate and fashion. However, it improved after the breakup. I appreciated the setting, the
witty banter, and the dating escapades. The issues addressed in the book—caring
for a handicapped child, marriage problems, and financial troubles—added depth.
Róisín's lively personality endeared her to me, and I found myself rooting for
her.
The supporting cast was well-developed, and I felt immersed in the story,
participating in the tea parties and experiencing the surroundings. I would
have liked to see more interaction between Róisín and her chosen man, but
that's a minor complaint. Overall, this was a fun and charming read that I
greatly enjoyed. I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to fans of
romantic comedies looking for a quick and enjoyable read.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the
opportunity to read this arc. All
opinions are my own.
* For more info about the book: "The Wedding Hitch" by Claire McCauley
No comments:
Post a Comment