Title: Always the Bridesmaid
Author: Lindsey Kelk
First published May 7, 2015
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780007582358 (ISBN10: 0007582358)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
Meet Maddie Fraser, the perpetual bridesmaid. She’s always been the sidekick, the supporting role for her friends and family.
But when her best friend Lauren announces her engagement, Maddie is forced to confront her own feelings of loneliness and heartbreak. Her ex is getting married, her other best friend Sarah is going through a divorce, and Maddie herself is stuck in a dead-end job.
As an event planner, Maddie is used to dealing with other people’s problems, but she’s never had to face her own until now. Will Maddie be able to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight?
This witty and heartwarming novel is a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re always the bridesmaid and never the bride.
About the Author
Lindsey Kelk is a renowned author, having written several bestselling books. Her impressive portfolio includes the I Heart series, On A Night Like This, The Christmas Wish, One in a Million, and the middle-grade Cinders & Sparks series.
Apart from her writing career, Lindsey also co-hosts two podcasts. The first is the award-winning beauty podcast, Full Coverage, while the second is Tight and Fights, a pro-wrestling podcast that airs on the Maximum Fun network.
Originally from South Yorkshire, Lindsey has lived in several cities, including Nottingham, London, and New York, before finally settling in Los Angeles with her husband and two rather impolite cats.
Editoral Review
Always the Bridesmaid by Lindsey Kelk is a delightful and engaging romantic comedy that will resonate with any reader who has ever found themselves always a bridesmaid but never a bride. Kelk is an accomplished writer who has a talent for creating relatable and endearing characters who are easy to root for.
Always the Bridesmaid fits squarely in the romantic comedy genre, which is perfect for anyone looking for a fun and lighthearted read that will leave them feeling entertained and uplifted. The story follows main character Maddie.
She is a successful event planner who has a knack for making other peoples dreams come true, but her own love life is a bit of a mess. Maddie finds herself the perpetual bridesmaid, always playing a supporting role in other peoples happy endings, while struggling to find her own.
Along the way, Maddie navigates various romantic entanglements and comedic mishaps, all while trying to figure out what she really wants in life. Kelk does an excellent job of making Maddie both relatable and likable.
She gives us insight into Maddie’s innermost thoughts and feelings, which helps to create a deep emotional connection with the character as she experiences both the joys and sorrows of falling in love. The plot is well-crafted and moves at a brisk pace, ensuring that readers will stay engaged and invested in Maddie’s journey.
One of the standout qualities of Always the Bridesmaid is Kelk’s ability to infuse humor into even the most difficult moments. She has a natural talent for writing witty banter and awkward situations, which make for some very entertaining reading.
Additionally, the book also touches on some important themes related to the fear of commitment, societal expectations around marriage, and the pressure to conform to idealized romantic norms. That said, Always the Bridesmaid isn’t without its flaws.
The supporting characters feel somewhat underdeveloped, which is a shame as some of them have the potential to be quite interesting. Additionally, some readers may find the romantic subplots to be a bit predictable, though this is to be expected in most romantic comedies.
Overall, Always the Bridesmaid is a fun and heartwarming read that will be particularly enjoyed by fans of the romantic comedy genre. Its relatable themes and endearing characters make it a particularly good choice for anyone looking for a light and entertaining book to read during a lazy summer afternoon.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars. While it has some shortcomings in terms of character development and predictability, Always the Bridesmaid is an enjoyable and well-crafted novel that will leave readers feeling uplifted and entertained.
