‘Just relishable. Thank God for the balm of good writing’ NIGELLA LAWSON
‘A wise, wonderful book’ OBSERVER
'Razor sharp on family, love and marriage' DAVID NICHOLLS
'I devoured it in one long lazy afternoon - I laughed and cried' VICTORIA HISLOP

Weddings aren't just about the happy couple… A funny, touching, hopeful gem about love, marriage and second chances

It’s the day before her daughter’s wedding and things are not going well for Gail Baines.

First thing, she loses her job (or quits, depending who you ask). Then her ex-husband Max turns up at her door looking for somewhere to stay. He doesn’t even have a suit. Instead, he’s brought memories – and a cat looking for a new home.

Just as Gail is wondering what’s next, their daughter Debbie discovers her groom has been keeping a secret which could throw the whole wedding into question…

‘She is and always will be my favourite author’ LIANE MORIARTY

'If Anne Tyler isn’t the best writer in the world, who is?' BBC R4 WOMAN'S HOUR

‘She knows all the secrets of the human heart’ MONICA ALI

‘My favourite writer’ NICK HORNBY

'Anne Tyler really is the best' GRAHAM NORTON

'Our greatest chronicler of family life' DAILY MAIL

'Nobody does it better' VOGUE

"Anne Tyler writes about decent, seemingly average people living average lives, without ever being boring – and for that we applaud her" - Sunday Times, *Books of the Year*

"Quietly magical... Tyler turns the stuff of everyday life — work, marriage, family — into something truly special" - The Times

"A masterly portrait of a divorced couple brought together by their daughter’s wedding... characters so alive they could be sitting next to you telling you what happened to them last Tuesday – and the ending is a beauty... a wise, wonderful book" - Observer

"Not one word is wasted in this sharp, witty novel" - Red, *Books of the Year*

"Anne Tyler’s latest novel is a joy to read as she once again transforms the problems of ordinary people living ordinary lives into something funny, touching and real" - Sunday Times, *Summer Reads of 2025*

"Perfect for diving into on a lazy afternoon" - Independent, *Books to Look Out For 2025*

"This novel goes down like a cold glass of wine on a warm summer’s afternoon… a wryly funny comedy of manners" - i

"Sublimely written and beautifully observed" - Good Housekeeping

"A wry, joyful tale, complete with a cupid-like cameo for a haughty cat" - Mail on Sunday

"Anne Tyler is a novelist who always pleases. She treats her characters with respect and, usually, affection… Her books are intelligent and sympathetic" - Scotsman

"Witty, thoughtful and brilliantly character-driven" - Woman's Weekly

"I can’t get enough of Anne Tyler… Her books feel homely and peaceful" - Sunday Times