Member Reviews
Jo and Adrián clashed when they met before, and now they are stuck together as their ex's get married to each other in Spain. The road to the wedding does not smoothly but they get to know each other better, but will it be too complicated to be together? A fun summer read.
I've already read a few of the author's books and have been thrilled every time. The blurb here also sounded very funny - so I was excited 😊.
Briefly back to the content; “The Wedding in the Sun” is Ben and Monica’s upcoming wedding in Zaragoza, Spain. A major family event is planned, and it will be the second wedding for both of them. Of course, the three children from previous relationships are there - and their ex-partners are also invited and should play a role in the festivities. Sounds bizarre? Joanna, called Jo, Ben's ex, and Adrian, Monica's ex, are of the same opinion…. Anticipation looks different, but both get on the plane to Zaragoza on time. And this is said to have been the last time for a long time that anything went according to plan, because the plane had to land on the “wrong” side of the Pyrenees due to bad weather, and Jo and Adrian began an unlikely road trip to Spain…. whatever could go wrong, goes wrong... and during the unlikely voyage the two are getting closer than expected 😊.
My reading impression: Wow, that was (as expected 😊!) a great story! On the one hand, it's funny and fast-paced, a lot happened, the action level was always high, and Adrian and Jo really ran from one misfortune to the next, but on the other hand, there were also slow moments and a lot of thoughtful and romantic situations. The main characters, i.e. our 4 “exes”, are all over 40 and have had a failed marriage, and so we don’t have naive teenagers in the throes of love here, but rather adults who really can reflect about their feelings and their somehow bizarre constellation to each other.. I liked that very much. How do the (teen) children deal with the fact that their parents are getting married again? There were a few conversations between Jo and her daughter that I found really interesting and beautiful. Mutual understanding – that’s how it should be. Yes, overall a really big novel. I could imagine it being made into a film. Funny rom-com with bizarre situations, but always believable characters. I thought it was good. Ms. Mack is slowly becoming a favorite author of mine. Please read! Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy!
I have been a fan of Leonie's work for a while now although I must admit that I haven't caught up with everything that she has written. I read the synopsis of 'A Wedding In The Sun' and it certainly sounded like the sort of book I have come to expect from Leonie - a funny, escapist read. Well it was certainly all that and so much more. I really enjoyed reading 'A Wedding In The Sun' but more about that in a bit.
This was one of those books that drew me in from the start and reading it soon became rather addictive. I initially picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I was still sat there reading several chapters and an hour or so later. From then on, I found it rather difficult to put the book down. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. Part of the reason why I enjoyed the book so much has to do with the fact that I loved the character of Jo Watters. I took to her from the start and she ended up feeling more like a friend than a character in a book. I developed my own theory as to how the story was going to pan out so I had to keep reading to see if I had guessed correctly or if I had gone in the opposite direction. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of 'A Wedding In The Sun' and had to say goodbye to Jo. I found 'A Wedding In The Sun' to be a lovely read with lots of sun, fun, love and laughter.
'A Wedding In The Sun' is really well written. Leonie has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Leonie's books feels more like a chat between friends over a cup of tea rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Leonie clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. In fact some of the characters felt more like friends rather than characters in a book. Leonie describes the locations so realistically that if I were to close my eyes, it would be easy to imagine that I was there. I felt as though I was part of the story and at the heart of the action, which is all thanks to Leonie's very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I really enjoyed reading 'A Wedding In The Sun' and I would recommend it to other readers. I hope to read much more of Leonie's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I enjoyed reading A Wedding in the Sun by Leonie Mack. . You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!
Do you ever feel like anything that can go wrong will? For Jo and Adrian it feels a lot like that. First, the two, who don't like each other at all after an unfortunate run in about Christmas in the PTA, are stuck on the same plane. And then they find themselves on the wrong side of the Pyrenees. They should be in Spain at the wedding of their exes, providing emotional support to their kids but instead they are diverted to France.
When the mishaps keep on coming, Adrian and Jo are thrown together more and more, and they start to realise that maybe the other person isn't too bad. But it's a bad idea to fall for your exes new partners ex. Try saying that quickly twice
I have read a number of Leonie Mack books now and I love them. With all the things going wrong, it could feel madcap, but it doesn't really. Along the way we visit Lourdes, as well as the southern coast of Spain, with a side of history around Spanish guitars.
This is another great read from Leonie Mack. Bring on the next one!
Rating 4.5/5
A Wedding in the Sun by Leonie Mack is a fine story about two blended families.
The premise sounded really light hearted and fun but it turned out to be much deeper than just fun times. I really like how the author talks about the divorce, all the exceptions, soul searching and so much understanding and hard work is needed for things to work.
Some of the scenes when two main characters are travelling trying to get to the mentioned wedding were funny and entertaining but I didn't really feel the chemistry or sparks between main characters although I liked them both,
I think that children in the book were very well developed and they sounded like real children not what the grown ups think children sound,
Nice example of feel good book and as the name implies good choice for the summer.
If you're looking for a feel good romance to read this summer then you don't need to look any further, this has that spark from an enemies to lovers and one bed trope. In the first few chapters we meet Jo and Adrian, who are both on the wedding of their exes, yep you read that right, Jo's ex husband is marrying Adrian's ex wife... You can feel the tension already can't you.
After a previous PTA clash it's fair to say that they don't see eye to eye or think very highly of each other, so imagine the feelings when the plane has to make an early landing and they are left at a hotel overnight, and sharing a room as well.. Things seem to go from bad to worse for Jo and Adrian and it starts to look like they are never going to make it to Spain for the wedding in time, later on in the book it mentions "two hospitals, a police station and a wedding" and that definitely feels like the perfect sentence to sum up this book!
As they spend more time together you can start to feel the tension simmering into a different sort of tension and an attraction seems to be on the cards, however they both know that it can't actually lead anywhere - let alone be on display at the wedding and in front of their kids. The story progresses and we learn more about both Jo and Adrian and I was really intrigued to see how it was going to end as it feels very much like it can't go the way you'd like.
This was a fab story that just oozed holiday vibes - maybe even holiday romance vibes and made me want to keep picking it up and just reading another chapter or two. I can't write this without giving a shout out to Oscar and Crabface though... that guy stole the scene on a few occasions!
A Wedding in the Sun by Leonie Mack
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Four exes and a wedding. And a road trip no one expected… Jo Watters would rather do anything than go to her ex-husband Ben’s wedding to perfect Monica, and if it wasn't for her beloved children she would already be far, far away. But having promised to be civilised for the sake of their soon-to-be-blended family she is headed to Spain with a fixed smile and hoping for a very fixed drink!
But when Jo realises that she’s on the same plane as Monica's ex-husband, the devastatingly handsome but equally cantankerous Adrián, she thinks her trip can’t get any worse... she’s wrong. When bad weather forces the plane to land the wrong side of the Pyrenees, and the hotel they’re sent to only has one double room available Jo begins to wish she was anywhere - anywhere - but here...
Determined to get to the wedding however they can, Jo and Adrián make an unlikely team, but as their disastrous trip continues, Jo starts to wonder if fate has other ideas for her and Adrián, especially when he seems to be getting more handsome by the day…maybe this trip won't be so terrible after all?
My Opinion
Four exes and a wedding - what can possibly go wrong? This is an entertaining read, that will definitely having you feeling like you are tagging along with Jo as she makes her way to her ex-husband's wedding. A highly amusing rom-com. For me this was a relaxing read that I really missed when I had to put it down. With some beautiful descriptions and some relatable characters are you ready to join the ultimate road trip?
Rating 4/5
Such an interesting concept for a book, having the two exes thrown together on the way to their previous partners wedding. Fate keeps them together and it was fun to see their rocky relationship become more friendly as they go through some tricky moments together.
Jo is a mum who puts her children first, stepping up to join her ex as he starts his new life with a new (younger) wife. I loved her independence and ability to get on with things when faced with an obstacle and having to endure the companionship of someone she thought she wouldn’t like.
Adrián was a wonderful character who also was a great dad, and an intriguing person, rugged and intelligent with hidden depths to discover.
It was a pleasure to watch them both change their opinion of each other and become friends. Their forced time together soon causes a sizzling sensation of attraction for each other and it was so compelling to see them become romantically involved with each other.
The travel aspect of the story was fantastic too, Leonie is so skilled at giving amazing descriptions of the beautiful locations that her books are set in.
A perfect book to take on a holiday, it has everything you want in a summer themed adventure, plus a gorgeous new book boyfriend for me to moon over! ❤️🎸
A Wedding in the Sun by Leonie Mack is a delightful summer read that takes readers on a journey filled with romance, laughter, and unexpected adventures.
The story revolves around Jo Watters, who reluctantly travels to Spain for her ex-husband Ben's wedding to the seemingly perfect Monica. Jo's plans for a quick and uneventful trip are turned upside down when she finds herself on the same plane as Monica's ex-husband, the charming yet irritable Adrián.
As fate would have it, a series of mishaps, including bad weather and a hotel room mix-up, force Jo and Adrián to team up. Despite their initial antagonism, the pair embark on a road trip across Europe that is as hilarious as it is heartwarming. Leonie Mack's talent for creating vivid settings and complex characters shines through as Jo and Adrián navigate their past grievances and present attractions.
The story has original plot, emotional depth, and the genuine development of its characters. You will find yourself completely absorbed by the story, highlighting its ability to evoke both tears and laughter. The romance between Jo and Adrián is described as believable and compelling, with a slow burn that makes their eventual connection all the more satisfying.
Mack's writing is a masterclass in balancing tension and tenderness, placing her characters in challenging situations and skillfully guiding them to a resolution that feels both earned and inevitable. The backdrop of sunny Spain adds an extra layer of charm to the narrative, making "A Wedding in the Sun" a perfect escape for those looking for a blend of escapism and emotional resonance.
Overall, "A Wedding in the Sun" is a testament to second chances and the unpredictable nature of love. It's a book that promises and delivers a feel-good experience, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and travel adventures.
This was a delightful and adorable novel and the first I’ve read by Leonie Mack. A Wedding in the Sun is an absolute must read for anyone looking for the perfect summer travel book, or for anyone looking for a book to read while sitting on the beach, next to a pool, or on a patio.
Jo is less than thrilled to be attending the upcoming festivities and wedding of her ex-husband Ben and his soon-to-be wife Monica. She wouldn’t go if her children didn’t need her as they gain a step mother and step brother.
As Jo arrives at the airport to travel to the wedding, dread fills her as she sees Monica’s ex-husband Adrian! She can’t help but think how strange it is for ex-spouses to be invited for the week long festivities lead up to the wedding as well as the actual wedding.
Dread turns to disaster as the flight is delayed and Jo finds herself stuck with Adrian in the same hotel room the airport set up for them, mistaking them for a couple.
I always love books where women in their 40’s who are divorced with children are shown as strong and beautiful women who still possess passion and love in their hearts. I was rooting for Jo and Adrian the whole time!
Four and a half stars rounded up to five!
Everything that can go wrong does, and it's pretty entertaining! When things keep going wrong in a story it can be really frustrating, but here, it was interesting to see how Jo and Adrián handled it all. Every mishap brought them closer together and they felt like real people. Their nightmare trip to a wedding was hilarious, stressful, aggravating, and delightful.
Even though I didn’t always feel the chemistry between Jo and Adrián—it was hot and cold—the story kept me hooked with all the crazy situations they ended up in. Which, looking back, the amount of things going wrong probably contributed to that feeling. However, Leonie Mack’s writing makes you feel like you're right there with the characters, who are flawed but relatable.
The book has great banter, dry humor, passionate moments, and both stressful and heartwarming scenes. It's not all sunshine and rainbows; there are some pretty tough parts, especially involving the kids. But what really shines about it is how it handles divorce—it shows all the tough choices and how they affect everyone. It makes you think about the whole family, not just the adults moving on. I appreciated how this book honestly talks about the hard parts of breaking up, not just the happy side of starting over.
The story begins with Jo – who is on her way to her ex-husband’s lavish wedding in Spain, when she almost bumps into her PTA rival, Adrián, at the airport. Narrowly avoiding him, Jo boards the plane headed for what she already knows is going to be one of the most awful few days. And things get worse, when she realises that Adrián is on the same flight as she is. Well, it kind of makes sense – you see, he is the ex-husband of Jo’s ex-husbands new wife-to be (are you confused yet!), so it figures he is heading for Spain, and the insufferable wedding also.
When the plane hits some bad weather, they are diverted and end up half way across Europe – and not in the direction of where they should have been headed – Spain. Deciding to team up and work together, Jo and Adrián figure out how they can get back to Spain – and in time for the wedding. As you can imagine, this does not go to plan, and they come across many hurdles along the way. As we see them navigate these hurdles, we begin to see the chemistry build between Jo and Adrián. Could Jo really being seeing her PTA rival in a romantic way?
A Wedding In The Sun is a real fun and funny summer read, with moments that will make you laugh out loud, but also moments that will really pull on your emotions. A beautiful story with beautifully written characters with complicated lives, who at the end of the day are just looking to be happy and be loved.
Leonie Mack continues to be one of my favorite, must-read authors. She thrives as an author in her ability to create likeable, quirky, relatable characters in really unique, vibrant settings. I fall in love with every one of her books and Wedding in the Sun was no exception. What a wild ride with a perfectly lovely conclusion. 5 enthusiastic stars!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BoldWood Books for the ARC.
As if needing to be a guest at your ex-husband’s Spanish wedding wasn’t bad enough – but Jo really does need to be there, to support her children – she finds she’s on the plane with the new bride’s ex-husband Adrián. They have an unfortunate history with bitter clashes at PTA meetings, and she really finds him quite obnoxious – and he’s already drawing attention to himself with a song and dance about how to transport his precious guitar. But when the flight doesn’t go as smoothly as expected and they find themselves marooned in the wrong country, they’re thrown into closer proximity than either of them wanted or expected – and needing to work together to make it to the wedding on time.
Their road trip descends into total chaos, as everything that could possibly go wrong most certainly does – and it’s laugh-out-loud funny at every turn, and quite wonderful to read. And through it all, their relationship slowly changes, the unlikely attraction between them growing – their sparky exchanges are an absolute joy. Adrián isn’t at all the uptight control freak she thought he was – he has a rather complex history, a passion for the music of the Spanish guitar, and his love for his young son (also waiting at the wedding…) really touches the heart. And he’s also the perfect person to have at your side when everything goes haywire – strong in a crisis, totally unflappable, calmly weighing up the options. And the chemistry between them both is something really special – theirs was a developing relationship I really felt and believed in.
And when they finally reach the castle in Valencia, against all the odds, there are more challenges to face – as well as the bizarre situation, there are undercurrents around the family relationships that add even more satisfying depth to the story. I really have to say that I loved every moment, caught up in the relationship between this lovely couple and really wanting them to have their happy ending – sheer entertainment from beginning to end, but with emotional content that really touched my heart.
My favourite from the author so far? Yes, I really think it might be – I thought it was wonderful, and couldn’t recommend it more highly.
Don't we all love a wedding? Although this wedding is fraught with a few complications along the way. However, a great book.
⭐️rating: 4.5/5
This was a whirlwind and I loved it! I loved the premise and I really enjoyed the sweet love story unfolding as they fell for each other amidst the insanity of their travel adventures. Everything that could possibly go wrong does, but the important things go right.
It’s fraught with feeling and emotions. I loved how heart-warming their story was as they went through so much growth and found closure. Their love story was messy and beautiful, and their families are crazy and wonderful.
The banter was also so funny! Jo definitely has the same sense of humor as me. Even just her references to Peñíscola were hilarious cause I’ve actually been there myself and thought similar things😂 It’s a fun beach town for sure, but you’d better be careful if you take pictures with the first half of the big sign!
Anyway, I really enjoyed Wedding in the Sun and highly recommend! It was my first book by Leonie Mack, but I’ll definitely be checking out more.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, sweet, steamy, action-packed and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and will look for more books by this author.
Jo is a fiercely independent woman who has emerged from divorce with a determination that is impossible to challenge. She is just about ready for another relationship, although walking away from her husband almost broke her. Her life is now organised to ensure everything runs like clockwork and her children come first. She certainly doesn't need the laid-back attitude of the ex-husband of her ex's new bride. She finds him to be unreliable and irritating beyond belief.
The events that started with a seemingly straightforward flight had me in stitches as I eagerly flipped the pages. I could easily envision this story on the big screen, with Jo and Adrián's antics providing endless laughter. As they navigated from one chaotic situation to the next, their witty banter was perfectly timed, and the growing attraction between them was palpable.
Adrián, with his rugged good looks, laidback demeanour, and charming Spanish accent, had me swooning from the start. He was the epitome of a perfect book boyfriend, unflappable even in the face of adversity. But beneath his cool exterior, it was clear that his son's happiness was his top priority, adding a layer of depth to his character that was truly endearing. This book delves deeply into the complexities of divorce, presenting a realistic and often gloomy portrayal of its impact, especially on children. Its strength lies in exploring the difficult decisions, consequences, and emotional struggles involved in splitting up and moving on. While some of Jo's reasoning for her breakup with Ben might be debatable, the book courageously addresses the painful aspects of breaking up, making it a valuable read for those seeking an honest depiction of divorce beyond the surface-level notion of starting over.
Amazing book. Great adventure. Lots of great travel detail as well as a great story. A lovely complex love story with a happy ending is right what I wanted.