"An amusing romantic romp"

After a disastrous marriage when she was too young, family attorney Charlene Dugan has no plans to marry ever again. Now forty-five and seeing someone for five years, Charlene appreciates the status quo of having her own home and a significant other in that home. With her nerves on edge from a couple going through a horrific divorce, her daughter stuns Charlene when she tells her that does not want to end up like her mom, all alone. On top of that flogging, her mom seems to be showing signs of mental instability and her former spouse Jake, who seems to be around a lot, accuses her of not being able to commit. To prove they are wrong she proposes to Dennis and he gladly accepts.

However, preparing for the wedding turns disastrous. Denis seems more interested with the wedding planner than Charlene. Stephanie seems into a deeper funk because her mom is marrying before she is. Then there is Jake, who makes it clear that he is he one who should be her groom not Dennis. Can a marriage take much more of a spiral downward than this mess that Charlene wants to escape from before she goes insane.

THE WEDDING PARTY is an amusing romantic romp that slowly develops the cast so that the audience understands everyone's reactions and actions. Once the characters' motivations are established, the plot turns into a wild humorous ride down the aisle. Fans of contemporary craziness will want to attend Charlene's wedding reception as the story line has several additional subplots augmenting a delightfully funny novel.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 15, 2001