Lian Dolan’s latest offering, Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding, serves up a sparkling contemporary romance that transforms the familiar territory of wedding planning into something unexpectedly fresh and deeply entertaining. This isn’t just another wedding-themed novel—it’s a sophisticated exploration of motherhood, friendship, and the beautiful chaos that ensues when two vastly different women must unite to save their children’s happiness.
The story centers on Penelope Diamandis and Chase Blakeman, a couple whose engagement brings together two mothers who couldn’t be more different. Alexa Diamandis, the sophisticated Greek-born single mother from Montecito, California, built her successful travel business on her own terms and has little understanding of why any woman would choose marriage. Meanwhile, Abigail Blakeman represents old Connecticut money and tradition, complete with her DAR membership and proper New England sensibilities. When Penny suddenly calls off the wedding, these unlikely allies must orchestrate “Operation Butterfly”—a scheme to reunite the couple that’s equal parts heartwarming and hilarious.
Character Development: Where Dolan Truly Shines
The Mothers Take Center Stage
What sets “Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding” apart from typical wedding fiction is Dolan’s decision to focus primarily on the mothers rather than the bride and groom. Alexa emerges as a complex character whose independence masks deeper vulnerabilities about her choices as a single mother. Her relationship with Mayor Timothy Lynch adds an unexpected romantic subplot that brings depth to her character beyond her role as mother of the bride.
Abigail’s transformation throughout the novel represents some of Dolan’s finest character work. Initially appearing as a stereotypical Connecticut WASP dealing with financial struggles she’s too proud to acknowledge, she evolves into someone genuinely willing to challenge her preconceptions. Her part-time job at the senior center, which she initially hides from her husband George, becomes a symbol of her growing authenticity.
The supporting cast deserves particular praise:
- Sarah Blakeman, the field hockey coach whose romance with scientist Lloyd Chandra provides delightful comic relief
- The Merry Widows, Alexa’s circle of wealthy Montecito friends who bring both wisdom and whimsy to the proceedings
- Simon Fox, the British lord whose mysterious connection to Penny adds intrigue
- Mayor Lynch, whose chemistry with Alexa creates one of the novel’s most engaging romantic subplots
Narrative Structure: A Well-Orchestrated Comedy
The Three-Act Wedding
Dolan structures her novel like a well-planned wedding itself, moving through seasons from the initial engagement announcement to the winter ceremony. The pacing mirrors the escalating chaos of wedding planning, with each section building tension toward the ultimate question of whether the wedding will actually happen.
The author’s background in podcasting (she co-created the award-winning “Satellite Sisters” podcast) shows in her mastery of dialogue. Conversations feel authentic and purposeful, whether it’s the mothers’ tentative bonding over wine or the rapid-fire planning sessions of “Operation Butterfly.” The inclusion of fictional blog posts from wedding etiquette expert “Aunt B” adds both humor and practical wedding wisdom while serving as clever chapter breaks.
Themes That Resonate Beyond the Wedding Bells
Class, Culture, and Connection
Dolan tackles themes of class distinction with nuance rather than caricature. The contrast between Alexa’s California casual elegance and Abigail’s East Coast propriety could have been played for cheap laughs, but instead becomes a thoughtful exploration of different approaches to success, family, and authenticity.
The novel’s treatment of single motherhood through Alexa’s character is particularly well-handled. Rather than presenting her choice as either heroic or tragic, Dolan shows both the strength and occasional loneliness that comes with complete independence. When Penny accuses her mother of being a poor role model for committed relationships, the moment lands with genuine emotional weight.
Modern Love and Traditional Values
The tension between tradition and personal choice runs throughout the novel. Chase’s political ambitions and Penny’s career demands reflect contemporary pressures on young couples, while their mothers’ different life experiences offer contrasting perspectives on love, marriage, and fulfillment.
Writing Style: Sophisticated Yet Accessible
Dolan’s Distinctive Voice
Dolan’s writing strikes an ideal balance between sophistication and accessibility. Her prose sparkles with wit without becoming overly clever, and she demonstrates a keen eye for social observation. The descriptions of Montecito society feel authentic rather than satirical, suggesting the author’s familiarity with her setting.
The novel’s humor emerges naturally from character and situation rather than forced comedic set pieces. Whether it’s George’s obsession with bridge tournaments or the Merry Widows’ enthusiastic embrace of their nickname, Dolan finds comedy in human quirks rather than stereotypes.
Technical Craftsmanship
The author handles multiple viewpoints skillfully, alternating between Alexa and Abigail’s perspectives without confusion. Each woman maintains a distinct voice and worldview, making their eventual friendship feel earned rather than inevitable.
Areas for Critical Consideration
Pacing and Resolution
While the novel’s leisurely pacing allows for character development, some readers may find the middle section slightly sluggish. The “Operation Butterfly” sequence, while entertaining, occasionally feels more complicated than necessary for the emotional payoff it provides.
The resolution, though satisfying, ties up perhaps too many loose ends too neatly. Sarah’s quick romance with Lloyd, while charming, develops at breakneck speed, and the happy endings for nearly every character might strain credibility for some readers.
Depth vs. Entertainment
“Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding” sometimes prioritizes entertainment over deeper exploration of its themes. While Dolan touches on issues of financial insecurity, single parenthood, and class differences, she doesn’t always delve as deeply as these topics deserve. The wedding setting, while delightful, occasionally overshadows opportunities for more profound character revelation.
Comparisons and Context
Similar Works and Author’s Previous Efforts
Readers familiar with Dolan’s previous novels, including The Sweeney Sisters and The Marriage Sabbatical, will recognize her skill at ensemble casts and multi-generational family dynamics. This latest effort represents a refinement of her trademark style—warm, witty, and wise without being preachy.
The novel fits comfortably alongside other contemporary women’s fiction such as:
- The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
However, Dolan’s focus on the mothers rather than the couple sets her work apart in a crowded field of wedding-themed fiction.
Final Verdict: A Wedding Worth Attending
Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding succeeds as both entertainment and emotional journey. While it may not break entirely new ground in terms of themes or structure, Dolan’s execution is so skilled and her characters so engaging that readers will find themselves genuinely invested in the outcome.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its celebration of unexpected friendship and second chances. Both mothers discover that their carefully constructed life philosophies may need adjustment, and their growing bond provides the story’s emotional core. The wedding itself becomes almost secondary to the relationships that develop around it.
Who Should Read This Book
“Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding” will particularly appeal to:
- Readers who enjoyed Big Little Lies or The Giver of Stars
- Anyone planning a wedding or recently married
- Fans of multi-generational family stories
- Those who appreciate sophisticated romantic comedy
Recommendation
Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding delivers exactly what it promises—a charming, well-crafted story about love, family, and the lengths we’ll go to ensure happiness for those we care about. While it doesn’t revolutionize its genre, it executes its formula with such warmth and skill that readers will find themselves smiling long after the final page.
Dolan has created a novel that works on multiple levels: as wedding-planning inspiration, as mother-daughter relationship exploration, and as pure escapist entertainment. In a world that often feels divided, there’s something deeply satisfying about a story that shows how different people can come together for a common cause—especially when that cause involves ensuring a happy ending for the next generation.
For readers seeking intelligent romantic fiction with heart, humor, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting, this wedding is definitely worth attending.
