Originally published: 10 June 2021

Author: Laura Jane Williams

Published by: Avon

Genre: Romance

Length: 368 pages

Reading dates: 26-30 May 2021

ONE CANCELLED WEDDING

When the day finally comes for Annie to marry Alexander, the last thing she expects is to be left standing at the altar. She was so sure he was Mr Right. Now, she has no idea how she could have got it so wrong.

ONE UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER

After a chance meeting with Patrick, an old friend who reminds her of who she used to be, Annie takes a vow of her own: she’ll say yes to every opportunity that comes her way from now on.

ONE SPARE TICKET FOR THE HONEYMOON

Could a spontaneous trip with Patrick be the way to mend Annie’s heart? She’s about to find out as she embarks on her honeymoon – with a man who’s not her husband…

When poor Annie is jilted at the alter by her University sweetheart Alexander she is understandably devastated. He doesn’t even have the decency to let her know he isn’t coming, letting her know via the wedding planner and disappears to Singapore for work. Determined to pull herself together, she joins a gym and there meets Patrick, an old friend from her childhood theatre camps. They enjoy rekindling their friendship and reminiscing about old times.

Alexander’s parents are furious with their son for his behaviour and insist Annie go on the honeymoon they paid for, a 2 weeks all expenses paid luxury trip to Australia. Annie’s friends are all very keen to be invited but after a drunken night out with Patrick she decides to take him instead. She isn’t interested in romance but knows she’ll have fun with Patrick.

This was a lovely read. Annie was a great character – understandably heartbroken at the beginning but wondering if actually calling off the wedding might be a good thing. She recognises her flaws, many of which have stemmed with the relationship she has with her mother – the need to be perfect and to not cause conflict. I loved reading about their trip to Australia which sounded amazing and made me feel pretty jealous! I also really loved the relationship she had with her younger sister and her friends. I also really liked Patrick – he has reasons to be cautious in love but remembers the vibrant, fun Annie of their teenage years at drama camp and their friendship helps Annie remember that side of herself and start to be adventurous again.

A real feel-good novel, this is my second book by Laura Jane Williams (I read The Love Square last year) and I have thoroughly enjoyed them both. Perfect to read in the garden now we are finally got some sun!

Thank you to El at Avon for sending me a copy of this, along with some chocolate and pampering products.

About the author

Laura Jane Williams was born in 1986 in Derbyshire, England. Her 2019 debut novel Our Stop was an international hit, and she is currently adapting it for screen. Her non-fiction includes Becoming, Ice Cream for Breakfast, and The Life Diet, and she has contributed essays and articles to the Telegraph, the Guardian, Marie Claire, the Independent, Cosmopolitan, as well as to a collection by Stylist Magazine, Life Lessons from Remarkable Women. She was previously a columnist for both Grazia and Red.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurajaneauthor

Website: https://www.laurajaneauthor.com/