This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Some things in life are always immensely satisfying; that first gulp of chilled white wine on a hot day, a warm blanket when it’s raining outside, and a Lindsey Kelk novel.
With a successful career that now spans 10 novels (and another on the way in the autumn), it’s safe to say that she is a powerhouse in women’s fiction – her books are always guaranteed to delight.
Always the Bridesmaid is Lindsey’s latest standalone novel and it is packed with the same wit and humour that her readers have come to know and look forward to with every release. Her unique, humorous style translates to both her running series and her standalone novels making Always the Bridesmaid a perfect escape from the real world.
Maddie is an events assistant who wants to be an events manager but her scary, bitch-face boss seems intent on keeping her down. Whilst spending her days dying rabbits pink for clients and trying to find real-life storks, she has also been given the task of planning best friend Lauren’s wedding, which you’d think would be a great honour, right? Except for the fact that the bride-to-be alternates between being the ultimate bridezilla and crying in the toilets not wanting to get married at all. With fellow friend and bridesmaid Sarah going through a painful divorce at the same time, you could say that Maddie has got enough on her plate already. Add to that, new man Will – who is everything she’s ever wanted: handsome, a lawyer and sensational in bed – and Maddie’s beginning to feel a little overwhelmed. As Maddie juggles margarita fountains, late night counselling sessions and calming the bride, is it time to stop being the bridesmaid?
I loved Maddie; she’s funny, sweet and endearing to read. We’ve all felt like her at one point in our lives and I liked how much she cared for her two best friends. She is very much the friend we all know and have; the friend known for sorting everyone out before themselves and the one who tries not to upset everyone, sometimes having to sacrifice their own happiness.I particularly enjoyed the moments between Sarah and Maddie when they’re drinking gin and trying to make sense of Sarah’s marriage breakdown. I would have liked to hear more of Sarah, who delivers some cracking lines, which had me laughing out loud.
Lauren is a typical bridezilla, calling Maddie throughout the night with her elaborate plans, but when her demanding mother turns up early for the wedding, Lauren turns to her best friends for help at the most stressful time of her life, with hilarious consequences. There is a generous helping of romance too, but not always from the man that you expect.
What I liked most about this book is the fact that it’s about friendship. I loved Lauren, Maddie and Sarah’s bond. The fight, they get along, and sometimes they’re out of order, but they always come back together and forgive, which is exactly what all best friends should do. A laugh out loud, must-have addition to women’s fiction lover’s bookcase.
9/10