That’s right, folks, you’re getting a bonus post this week, so I can tell you about my latest discovery: Katy Birchall’s delightful comedy, The Secret Bridesmaid. This book was marketed to me as a romance, and love is certainly at its heart – but more than romantic love, this novel is mostly about celebrating love between friends. To which I say, yes, more, please!
Sophie Breeze is a professional “secret bridesmaid”: for the bride who wants to plan her own wedding but needs a little extra support, Sophie will pose as a friend and lend emotional and organizational support. A starry-eyed romantic, she loves her job – until she’s hired by the Marchioness of Meade to be a secret bridesmaid for her daughter, former teenaged It Girl Lady Cordelia Swann. Cordelia’s experiences have made her distrust new people, and she pegs Sophie as a social climber right off and is determined to make her quit. Can Sophie break through Cordelia’s walls and be the friend she needs in the midst of the high society chaos?
It’s always good to see writers taking friendships seriously – because romantic love is far from the only valuable form of love, despite how much attention it gets in pop culture – and this book is chock-full of fantastic female friendships. Despite a rough start… and middle… Sophie and Cordelia eventually forge a true bond as they challenge and fight for each other. And, of course, Sophie’s also supported every step of the way by her loyal friends and family – especially her mom and her cousin, Cara (I swear, the text chains between Sophie and Cara sound exactly like me and my bestie!). The Secret Bridesmaid is a true exploration and celebration of female friendship, and I walked away wishing I could be part of this funny, sassy (you’ll get it when you read it) circle of women.
(But don’t worry, romance lovers: there is also a side plot romance with a charming viscount, and it is a lovely addition to the tale.)
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
–b
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