This is probably one of the funniest and most enjoyable books I have read this year. I had such a good time reading The Secret Bridesmaid, often with tears in my eyes from laughing, and I absolutely adored the protagonist, Sophie.

Sophie loves weddings and she enjoys helping brides so much – and she is really good at it – that she decided to turn it into a career. She is a professional bridesmaid, hired by brides (or their mothers) to help them through the preparation of their wedding so that they can enjoy it and have the wedding of their dream. She is very successful, but her job is also very secretive and often she changes her name and just the bride and very few other people know that she is being paid to be a bridesmaid.

Lady Cornelia Swann is a socialite often on tabloids for her lavishing lifestyle and her long list of boyfriends. She is now getting married and she is going to be Sophie’s biggest client, but also her biggest challenge, because Sophie has been hired by Cordelia’s mother to control her during the preparation of the wedding against Cordelia’s wishes, who does her best to make Sophie’s work as hard as possible. Sophie is determined to get the job done, even though Cordelia makes it loud and clear that she doesn’t want and need Sophie’s help. However, Sophie doesn’t give up even when she finds herself picking up Cordelia’s dry cleaning or deep in the water in St. James’s Park trying to call swans to her.

Sophie is an amazing heroine. She is fun, honest, cheerful, and reliable. She really cares about her job and her clients. She wants them to have the wedding of their dreams even if that means she has to wear a Chewbakka costume at a Star Wars-themed wedding or she has to dye her hair red to match with the other bridesmaids.

The story is hilarious and captivating. I really enjoyed the addition of Whatsapp messages, calls, and emails, that made for some laugh-out-loud conversations. While the story focuses mostly on the protagonist’s own development and her relationship with bridezilla Cordelia, there is also some romance as Sophie falls for Cordelia’s hot playboy brother and the scenes between these two were some of my favourite in the novel.

A witty and lovable heroine, an entertaining and refreshing plot, and an addictive writing make of The Secret Bridesmaid a fantastic read, the perfect book for all fans of Sophie Kinsella and rom-com stories.

Sophie is a professional bridesmaid; secretly helping brides have the perfect wedding day. When she gets the opportunity to work with Lady Cordelia Swann, Sophie jumps at the chance. But she's going to have to work hard to convince Cordelia that she needs her help.

So, The Secret Bridesmaid is Birchall's adult fiction debut and I think she's created the quintessential cute British beach read. The book features a great cast of characters, witty banter and a dash of romance. I loved the humourous wedding-related scenarios and emails scattered throughout the book, as well as Cordelia's sassy attitude. But just know that romance is a subplot in The Secret Bridesmaid (I was hoping for more development in the romance department), as Cordelia and Sophie's slowly blossoming friendship is the main focus. Overall, I'd definitely recommend The Secret Bridesmaid to fans of British women's fiction.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC - all opinions are my own.

This book is the fantastic adult debut novel by this author with her other works being for the young adult or co writes.

This book is a light hearted romantic comedy at its best.

Sophie Breeze, after a number of failed jobs, decided to become a professional bridesmaid (oh why isn’t this an actual thing!) She is hired by Lady Meade to help her daughter Cordelia plan the society wedding of the year, But Cordelia gives a whole new meaning to term Bridezilla. With her outlandish demands such as live peacocks hanging for the ceiling and an old boy band to reform she really does push Sophie to her bridesmaid limits whether she’s a professional or not. Throw in the complication of Cordelia super handsome playboy Tom, who thinks Sophie is actually called Emily (her disguise bridesmaid name) and it makes for some comedic moments.

The way the author has written the book really does give an insight as to how organised Sophie needs to be and how demanding some brides, not just Cordelia can be. These insights are shown to us in the form of emails, texts etc interspersed between the chapters. I really found they helped calm my temper as the author has written Cordelia in true diva form that had this been based on a true story I would of been very surprised to discover that Sophie hasn’t smacked her one.

Is Cordelia acting the way she does for a reason?

Can Sophie win over the bride and help make the society wedding of the year go without a hitch and still manage to stick to her non disclosure agreement and win the heart of the reformed (at least we all want him to be!) playboy brother Tom?

Only a read of the book will answer these questions, you won’t be disappointed by the answers.

This book is an easy lighthearted read that’s bound to score highly with readers who live to see how the other half live!

Thanks to NetGalley, Katy Birchall and Hodder & Stoughton for the advance review copy of The Secret Bridesmaid.

What an absolute joy this was to read. Described as "The best laugh out loud rom com of 2021" I am pleased to say that this lived up to my expectations! If you are a fan of Sophie Kinsella - then this is definitely likely to be right up your street.

Sophie Breeze is a professional bridesmaid, hired in secret by brides to act as their right hand support. Planning hen dos, sourcing suppliers and making sure everything goes exactly to plan, there is simply no job too big or too small when it comes to supporting the bride's big day.. To the rest of the wedding party, Sophie (usually with another name) is an old friend, someone from the brides past, whilst her true identity remains a secret to all but the bride and anyone she confides in.

When Sophie is hired by a Marchoness for the high society wedding of the year, it seems like the amazing opportunity she needs to take her business to the next level. Hired by the bride's mother however, Cordelia is quite simply the bride from hell. Cordelia wants nothing to do with Sophie and is determined to make her life difficult and force her to quit.

The story that follows is packed full of humour, fun escapades and friendship nd I can honestly say that this book really did make me giggle out loud to myself on multiple occasions. I even did that annoying thing people do where they have to tell someone else about what they're reading because they find it so amusing - my partner on the other hand probably did not. :D

The characters are within The Secret Bridesmaid are relatable fun and endearing, Sophie is somewhat lost but determined and you even find yourself warming to bridezilla Cordelia as the story progresses. With a sprinkle of romance (with a dreamy sounding Tom) and a tale of friendship, loyalty and trust, this book was hugely entertaining and a fun lighthearted read. I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a bit of escapism from breaking news and stressful headlines.

I would love to see this made into a series or film!

I enjoyed this book the concept was very good and well written, every bride needs a Sophie, I liked the characters they had depth, there were some “waffly” bit which I skimmed over but not enough to make me want to stop if anything I wanted to know what happened

Enjoy!

Think Devil Wears Prada meets 27 dresses and you'd have this book! I know the author made references more to Devil Wears Prada in this book but I read it and thought 27 dresses as well.

Sophie loves organising weddings and loves helping it all go to plan but when she meets Cordelia will she still love it or will it push her to her limits?

This is a good light read. I was worried it would become predictable in places but I'm very glad to say it didnt. Its a tale of friendship, love and everything that goes with it.. I enjoyed it

This book is certainly a refreshing read.

Great characters give this a wonderful feel.

A smashing romance with laugh out loud moments make this one an enjoyable read.

I must admit, I don't often ready these sorts of books. I like a good rom-com, but with the focus more on the romance element of the plot than comedy. Whereas The Secret Bridesmaid is very much a comedy first sort of book. But to my surprise, I loved it. It was smart, modern, and hilariously funny in a way few books are capable of pulling off. Sophie was an absolute legend, and I loved that the focus was on female friendships before romance. An easy, quick, and thoroughly satisfying read.

3.5 stars rounded up.

Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to be provided with an advance reading copy of this book by NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.

Here is the brightest gem among jewels. I listened to the book while I was working when the store I am employed by was closed. I laughed so much that my sides hurt. What a great story this is. Sophie Breeze is the perfect bridesmaid friend, but that is her profession. Sophies’ business is to make sure that all her customers have the perfect wedding day.

She isn’t a wedding planner, she is there to help, steer and ensure that the bride gets the day she has dreamed of, but no one else knows. Everyone accepts that she and the bride are friends from the past, university, or someone they had worked with. The bride’s mum may be in on it, but that is about it.

Sophie is the perfect bridesmaid who smooths out the ripples, gets the colour scheme right and has the gift of the gab of perfect persuasion. When one of her former clients recommends her to someone from high society, she will have to face her greatest challenge.

What fabulous characters there are in this story. Even some of Sophie’s friends don’t know what she does for a living, it is so hushed up. Although the weddings overlap, there is one that is dominant in the story. I did enjoy the lengths that she went to give each bride their special day, with some rather challenging themes. She just took it all in her stride. Often becoming a friend of sorts when everything was complete, with the big day.

I howled with laughter at some of the antics that Sophie or her new chosen character name Emily got up to. She went far more than the normal extra mile. The dialogue was perfection and the descriptions of what was happening eye-watering. I just loved every chapter.

If you want a real pick-me-up story, then grab a copy of this, the day after, while I am writing this review, I still keep laughing. I wish I could write about what happens, but I would not take that from you. I will read this book again, and again. It is truly delightful.

I wish to thank Net Galley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which am I still laughing at. Highly recommended.

A laugh out loud comedy with a splash of romance!

Sophie Breeze is a professional bridesmaid available for hire. London brides are willing to pay to have Sophie be their “friend” while working to keep the wedding picture perfect. Whatever the bridal disaster is, Sophie finds a way to solve it. Her reputation of helping brides achieve their dream wedding provides her with a career altering opportunity; working for a high society wedding. Sophie will encounter some of the hardest obstacles: a difficult bride, attraction to the bride's brother, and keeping up her secret identity.

This was such an entertaining read! I loved the concept that Sophie was a bridesmaid for hire and all the antics she had to put up with. There were so many funny scenes, but I loved the star wars bride request (you have to read it to find out, no spoilers!).
Sophie is hired for Cordelia's wedding and the bride, initially, doesn't want her there. As a result, Cordelia is pretty horrible to Sophie, but I was so happy to read the shift in their relationship. They really grew as characters and it was nice to see a beautiful friendship form.
Tom was a dreamy male love interest. I liked him and Sophie together. Their romance kind of came second to the value of female friendships, which I really liked. However, if you're looking for a full-on in-your-face romance, this probably isn't the book for you. If you like: laugh out loud scenes, female friendships( enemies to best friends), and hilarious wedding antics, then you need to read this book!

Really enjoyed this book. It was lots of fun could not put it down. Lots of laugh out loud moments and I likes that this was more about friendship than it was the romance. Would definitely recommend.

I loved this story. It was totally original, modern and the characters were well developed and believable. Sophie is a professional bridesmaid and ends up helping a very unlikely bride. The story development with Lady Cordelia was just perfect. With a sprinkle of romance, it was the perfectly summer beach read. Definitely an author to watch out for.

Sophie is a professional bridesmaid on hand to help the bride in whatever way she can whilst joining the wedding party. She is particularly useful when a bridezilla fires her wedding planner. When hired for the society wedding of the year little did she know what challenges were in store. A humorous romance with lots of fun along the way.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This book was a delight to read.

It was funny, and with lots of laugh-out-loud moments throughout.

What I especially liked about this book was that it was focused on friendship and loyalty rather than romance.

Recommend it.

A great fun read, very entertaining! With some laugh out loud moments. The book was well written, sheer escapism and gave me hours of entertainment. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend
Thank you to Netgalley, Hodder and Stoughton and Katy Birchall for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

What an enjoyable book with fantastic characters. Sophie, as a professional bridesmaid was just perfect.

It really left me feeling happy.

I loved this book and read this in a couple of days! It’s a lighthearted, funny read with a sprinkle of romance. The ridiculous demands of Bridezilla Cordelia definitely keep you entertained and wondering what she’ll think up next!

While this book could be described as a RomCom, this definitely was more of a comedy with the relationship of Sophie and Cordelia in the forefront of the story. The romance element was well done and added a feel good factor to the narrative.

The characters were definitely brought to life, particularly Sophie. As the book was in Sophie’s point of view you get to see how she deals with the drama and difficult demands. I also enjoyed the text messages, voice mails and email exchanged with other brides and wedding suppliers dotted in some of the chapters. They gave more of an idea of what Sophie was handling in her job outside of the main storyline and gave more shape to her character.

The end of the book had me smiling. If you’re looking for a book to chill out and escape with this is it. If you like laugh out loud moments, then you’ll like Katy Birchall’s writing style as well!

Thank you netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for my ARC copy!

A lovely read with a quirky storyline. The characters were really well-developed and believable. Well-written and really funny in parts. Highly recommended.

Frothy, light, easy to read, escapist, happy-ever-after, twee. I hate to say it but all the characters are quite privileged, some very much so.

The Secret Bridesmaid

As a professional bridesmaid, Sophie is secretly hired by brides to be their right-hand woman, ensuring their big day goes off without a hitch. From wrangling rowdy hen dos to navigating last minute portaloo cancellations, there's no problem she can't solve.

I could not put this book down! I have never wanted a job so much in my life! This sounds amazing, until you meet Bridezilla! I have no idea how Sophie put up with so much.

I really loved this book from the start, you never knew what problems were going to arise for Sophie next. Sophie works hard at her job and wants to please everyone and then she meets “Bridezilla”. Despite everything Sophie sticks by and handles all the horrendous tasks given to her. She never gives up!

From the crazy hen-dos to the craziest bridesmaid outfit ever, Sophie never says no.

I loved watching the different relationships and friendships grow in this book and it just shows that not everyone is as bad as they first seem. It was such a feel good book with a beautiful ending. I would love to see more from Sophie and how her life and business changed after the wedding of the century!

I could defiantly see a film or series adaptation of this book! I would highly recommend this for anyone who needs a feel good story to escape in to.