Bad Luck Bridesmaid by Alison Rose Greenberg

In her debut novel, Alison Rose Greenberg tells the story of a woman who has been been a bridesmaid for three of her friends, all of who could not make it down the aisle before backing out of the wedding.  If you’re looking for an engaging Women’s Fiction novel full of passion, this one is for you.  This book publishes today.

From The Publisher:

It’s official: Zoey Marks is the cursed bridesmaid that no engagement can survive. Ten years, three empire waist dresses, and ZERO brides have walked down the aisle.
After strike three, Zoey is left wondering if her own ambivalence towards marriage has rubbed off on those she loves. And when her building distrust of matrimony culminates in turning down a proposal from her perfect All-American boyfriend, Rylan Harper III, she and Rylan are both left heartbroken, leaving Zoey to wonder: what is it exactly about tying the knot that makes her want to run in the opposite direction?
Enter Hannah Green: Zoey’s best friend, who announces that she’s marrying a guy she just met (cue eye roll). At a castle. In gorgeous, romantic Ireland, where Rylan will be in attendance, and Zoey will be a bridesmaid. It’ll be fine.
Okay, the woman definition of fine (NOT FINE).
Determined to turn her luck around, Zoey accepts her role and vows to get Hannah down the aisle—all the while praying her best friend’s wedded bliss will allow her to embrace marriage and get Rylan back.
But as the weekend goes on, Zoey is plagued with more questions than answers. Can you be a free spirit, yet still want a certain future? Can you have love and be loved on your terms? And how DO you wrangle a bossy falcon into doing your bidding?

Book Review:

I really enjoyed this debut novel.  This is the story of one quirky woman who lives life to the beat of her own drum.  It is also a celebration of working through what life brings your way and coming out the end being stronger than ever.

The relationship between our protagonist Zoey, and her best friend Hannah is one that most women would love to have.  They’ve known each other most of their lives and each of these women brings out the best in the other.  They take in the world quite differently but have high respect for the other’s point of view.

The relationship between Zoe and Rylan is also very well developed.  They are so passionate about one another and this relationship is so well written that the reader can feel the intensity of their love.  When Rylan proposes marriage to Zoe near their second anniversary of being together she cannot say yes.  The heartbreak of this decision is devastating yet meaningful.

This brings me to reveal what I appreciated about this book. The author does a great job of communicating Zoe’s inner conflict.  That being, determining her comfort level for romantic relationships. But let me make it clear – while there is romance in this book, it is not a romance novel.  It is a book that celebrates a woman coming into her own that will leave you wanting more.

What I Liked:

• The depth of character development in Zoey
• The strong friendship characterized by Zoey and Hannah
• The strong message of identifying who were are and what we want in life.

I Recommend This Book To:

Those readers that enjoy Women’s Fiction.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Add Bad Luck Bridesmaid to your Goodreads shelf

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.

Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:

Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis

Feels Like Falling by Kristy Woodson Harvey

That Summer by Jennifer Weiner

Thank you for reading!  Are you a fan of Women’s Fiction?  Let me know in the comments.  I hope that you have a wonderful day. ☺️