Book Review: Thirteen Weddings by Paige Toon

Jul 30, 2017
2 min read

I have been wanting to read one of Paige Toon's books for a while as I had heard so many good things about her stories and style of writing. So when I came across Thirteen Weddings in a pre-loved local shop I just had to buy it. Great reading for me & money given to a good cause! I promise there are no spoilers in the review.

Thirteen Weddings blurb on Amazon:

A year ago, Bronte left Sydney for a wedding in England, where she met newly single Alex. After one amazing night together they parted ways. Now working on the picture desk for a glassy magazine in London, Bronte is about to meet a new colleague - who turns out to be all too familiar. Alex is now engaged, but the memory of the spark they felt when they met hasn't died. As Alex's wedding day looms, it is clear that he and Bronte have unfinished business...

I have always loved weddings since I was a little girl. I would ask my dad to slow the car down as we passed the local bridal shop so I could stare at the dresses displayed in the window. So give me a chick lit book themed about weddings and I have to give it a read.

The book's opening scene is in a nightclub and I did wonder if this story was going to be for me. It must be because I'm getting old at 32, but I just couldn't see myself reading about a couple getting together after a night out and too many drinks. HOWEVER, I couldn't have been more wrong as the storyline had me hooked soon after.

Bronte is a character that you can easily relate to. She is down to earth and someone you are rooting for as the plot unfolds. It is clear that she has secrets from the past that need to be addressed, but Paige keeps us guessing as to what this may be and I have to say I wasn't able to figure it out (which I like as I enjoy a surprise in a storyline).

I enjoyed the book's descriptions and details especially when reading about the bride's dresses, wedding venues etc (I love the little details). I also liked reading about the other characters in the book, such as the relationship that builds between one of Bronte's friends and a work colleague.

What I loved most about Thirteen Weddings is following Bronte's love life. Although at times I wanted to shake Bronte for some of the choices she was making, I was pleasantly surprised on how the book ends. I honestly didn't think she would make the final choice that she did. The book certainly keeps you on your toes and, just when you think you know what Bronte wants, you find her moving in another direction.

I'm looking forward to reading A Christmas Wedding, a short story by Paige which will be a sequel to Thirteen Weddings.

Would I recommend Thirteen Weddings? Yes I would. It's a great chick lit read that keeps you guessing. The story has depth to it and although surprised by the ending (which is good), it was an interesting and pleasing ending.